Niobium is a chemical element with the symbol Nb. It is a soft, grey, ductile transition metal, often found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite. Niobium is used in various applications, including in the production of superalloys for jet engines and heat-resistant equipment, as well as in the manufacturing of magnets, capacitors, and electronic devices. It is also used in the medical field for implants and in the aerospace industry for its high melting point and resistance to corrosion.