Columbium, also known as niobium, is a chemical element with the symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, gray metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Columbium is primarily used in the production of high-strength steel and superconducting materials, making it valuable in various industrial applications. Discovered in the early 19th century, columbium was initially named after Columbus but was later renamed niobium. It is found in minerals such as columbite and pyrochlore, and its unique properties make it essential in aerospace, electronics, and nuclear industries.