Niobium is a chemical element (symbol Nb). It is a soft, grey metal that is naturally found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite. Niobium is naturally hypoallergenic and commonly used in a number of medical devices including prosthetics and implants, such as pacemakers. Often used in jewelry making because of its hypoallergenic properties, this metal is a safe choice for anyone with metal allergies. Niobiumis highly malleable, lightweight, highly resistant to corrosion, and hard. Additionally, when it is heated and anodized, it can result in a vast array of iridescent colors.
Niobium jewelry findings are good alternatives to precious metals. Findings made with niobium are hypoallergenic because they do not contain any nickel alloys, so they are safe for someone who is allergic to jewelry with nickel, copper, or other base metals and alloys. Niobium is relatively easy to work with and can be easily cut with a jeweler’s saw or forged with ease. It cannot be soldered using standard soldering equipment. Niobiumalloys, or mixtures, are used for a number of pre-made jewelry, including earrings, rings, and other piercing devices. The hypoallergenic property makes niobium jewelry a safe and popular choice.
Niobium jewelry supplies from Rings & Things include ear wires, head pins and jump rings. Because niobium is an inert element, most people with metal allergies can safely wearniobium. It’s highly resistant to corrosion and other reactions, and is used in medical implants. By definition, niobium does not contain lead, nickel, cadmium or anything else: It’s just niobium.
How Niobium Get Its Colors
Niobium findings come in a range of wonderful anodized colors such as blue, purple, yellow, green, and brown. Anodized metal is colored by dipping it into an electrically charged “bath” that creates bright colors without plating or painting the surface. The colors don’t flake or chip like plated or painted surfaces can.
Niobium Colors will vary: Colors from different batches, especially teal, may not exactly match. Teal ear wires and teal jump rings will look nice together, but are almost guaranteed to be different shades. Raw niobium is a bit grayer than sterling silver or silver/white platings.
It is possible to create a bath anodizing process at home. There are a number of anodizing coloring techniques beyond one solid color. These include a rainbow effect, solid color blocking, or even a spot anodizing process that creates a painted design. Any cutting, forming, and finishing on homemade niobium jewelry should be completed before anodizing the metal. Once it is anodized, any additional work on the metal will negatively impact the iridescent colors.
The process is somewhat complicated and requires a number of chemical tools including an SMT Micro Anodizer, distilled water, chemical solutions, safety gloves and glasses, and more. The anodized tool carries up to 120 volts of electricity and can be fatal if used incorrectly. If anodizing metal at home is something you want to pursue, consult an expert and practice all safety precautions before.
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