Neodymium

Neodymium Latest News

India is planning to increase its neodymium production by nine times, reaching 500 tons by the end of FY27.

About Neodymium

• Neodymium is a chemical element with symbol Nd and atomic number 60.
• It belongs to the lanthanides group, part of the rare earth elements. 
• It was discovered in Vienna in 1885 by Karl Auer.
• It is the second most abundant of the rare-earth elements (after cerium).
• Source: It is found in minerals that include all lanthanide minerals, such as monazite and bastnasite. 
• Its deposits are mainly in Brazil, China, USA, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.

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Properties of Neodymium

• It is a ductile and malleable silvery white metal.
• It oxidizes readily in air to form an oxide, Nd2O3, which easily spalls, exposing the metal to further oxidation.
• The metal must be stored sealed in a plastic covering or kept in vacuum or in an inert atmosphere.
• It reacts gradually with mineral acids—except hydrofluoric acid (HF), in which it forms a protective layer of trifluoride, NdF3. 

Applications of Neodymium

• It is a critical element in the global rare-earth magnet industry.
• It plays a key role in electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, and defense systems.
• It is suitable for use in optical devices and electrical applications.

Source: BS