Definition of the Neodymium Element
A bright, silvery rare-earth metal element, found in monazite and bastnaesite and used for coloring glass and for doping some glass lasers. Neodymium is very reactive and quickly tarnishes in air. It reacts slowly with cold water and rapidly with hot water. The Atomic Number of this element is 60 and the Element Symbol is Nd.

Origin / Meaning of the name Neodymium
The name originates from the Greek words neos meaning new and 'didymos' meaning twin

Facts about the Discovery and History of the Neodymium Element
Neodymium was discovered by Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach in Vienna, Austria in 1885.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Neodymium Element
Never found in nature as the free element
Found in monazite and bastnaesite
Also found in Misch metal

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 1×10^-6%
% in Sun 3×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 0.00005%
% in Earth's Crust 0.0033%
% in Oceans 2.8×10^-10%
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Neodymium
Coloring glass
Coloring ceramics
Infra-red radiation filtering

The Properties of the Neodymium Element
Name of Element : Neodymium
Symbol: Nd
Atomic Number: 60
Atomic Mass: 144.24 amu
Melting Point: 1010.0 °C - 1283.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3127.0 °C - 3400.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 60
Number of Neutrons: 84
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 7.007 g/cm3
Color of Neodymium : silvery

Neodymium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Neodymium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Neodymium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Neodymium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Neodymium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Neodymium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Neodymium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.