Neodymium (Nd)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Soft, silvery metal that tarnishes to a yellowish oxide.
Neodymium (symbol Nd) is chemical element number 60, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 144.24 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f4 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Its name means 'new twin'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 60 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 144.24 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f4 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1297 K |
| Boiling point | 3347 K |
| Density | 7.01 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.14 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1885 · Carl Auer von Welsbach |
Key facts about Neodymium
- Its name means 'new twin'.
- Neodymium-iron-boron magnets are the strongest permanent magnets known.
- Those magnets are in headphones, hard drives, wind turbines and electric-car motors.
- Colours glass a beautiful purple that changes shade under different light.
What Neodymium is used for
High-strength magnets for motors and generators, lasers, purple and 'sunglass' glass, microphones.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Neodymium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f4 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Neodymium on the interactive table →
Neodymium — frequently asked questions
What is Neodymium used for?
High-strength magnets for motors and generators, lasers, purple and 'sunglass' glass, microphones.
Is Neodymium radioactive?
No. Neodymium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Neodymium?
Neodymium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f4 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Neodymium in?
Neodymium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Neodymium?
Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach.