Let’s talk history! Although the science and use of magnets is very interesting, something can be said for having randoms facts in your head. Having neodymium history tidbits ready to share can be your new party trick!
The origin of Neodymium comes from the Greek word neos, meaning new, and didymos, meaning twin. Combined, it translates to new twin.
In 1841, Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander extracted a rose-colored oxide from cerite. This element was discovered, which he named didymium, as it was a twin of the element lanthanum (but we won’t get into that today). In 1885, Carl Auer von Welsbach, an Austrian chemist, separated didymium into two new elemental components, neodymium and praseodymium. However, neodymium was not isolated in relatively pure form until 1925.
The metal neodymium has a bright, silvery metallic luster, but as one of the more reactive lanthanide rare-earth metals, it quickly oxidizes in ordinary air. The oxide layer that forms then peels off, exposing the metal to further oxidation. Because neodymium is so reactive, the element should be tightly sealed in a plastic material or covered by an oil. A centimeter-sized segment of neodymium completely oxidizes within a year.
Uses of neodymium
There are many uses for neodymium besides magnets. Although neodymium magnets are the most universally used variety of rare earth magnet, it has many other purposes. Other common uses include neodymium colors glass several shades, ranging from pure violet through deep red and warm gray tones. This glass is used in astronomical work to produce sharp absorption bands to adjust shadowy lines. The element is also inherent of didymium, used in welders and glass blowers safety goggles. Some neodymium salts are also used to pigment enamels. It makes up nearly 20 percent of mischmetal, a material that is used to make flints for lighters.