Niobium is a chemical element; it has symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a light grey, crystalline, and ductile transition metal. Pure niobium has a Mohs hardness rating similar to pure titanium, and it has similar ductility to iron. Niobium oxidizes in Earth's atmosphere very slowly, hence its application in jewelry as a hypoallergenic alternative to nickel. Niobium is often found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite, hence the former name "columbium". Its name comes from Greek mythology: Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, the namesake of tantalum. The name reflects the great similarity between the two elements in their physical and chemical properties, which makes them difficult to distinguish.

नायोबियम (Niobium) एक रासायनिक तत्व है। इसका प्रतीक है - Nb. यह एक दुर्लभ, मुलायम, भूरे रंग का तन्य संक्रमण धातु है। नायोबियम, पाइरोक्लोर (pyrochlore) एवं कोलम्बाइट (columbite) नामक खनिजों में पाया जाता है।