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. Niobium is primarily used in the production of high-strength steel and superconducting materials, making it valuable in various industrial applications, including aerospace and electronics. Discovered in 1801, niobium was initially named columbium after Columbus. It is found in nature mainly in minerals like columbite and tantalite. Niobium's unique properties, such as its ability to maintain strength at high temperatures, make it essential for modern technology and engineering.