Neodymium (Nd)
Lanthanide
Neodymium powers the strongest permanent magnets known — NdFeB magnets small enough for earbuds yet strong enough to lift a person. Wind turbines, electric cars, phones and hard drives all depend on it.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 60 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 144.242 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f4 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Xe] 4f4 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +3 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.14 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 201 pm |
| First ionization energy | 533.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 184.9 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.01 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1023.9 °C (1297 K) |
| Boiling point | 3073.8 °C (3347 K) |
| Appearance | silvery white |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of neodymium
Neodymium's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f4, usually shortened to [Xe] 4f4 6s2. Its electrons occupy 6 shells (2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2), placing it in period 6 of the f-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of neodymium
- NdFeB permanent magnets (motors, wind turbines, speakers)
- Powerful lasers (Nd:YAG)
- Violet glass colouring
- MRI and headphone magnets
Biological role: None known.
Occurrence: Second most abundant rare earth, from bastnäsite and monazite.
Common compounds of neodymium
Nd2O3
Neodymium oxide
History and discovery
Discovered: 1885 — Carl Auer von Welsbach. Name origin: From Greek neos didymos — “new twin”.
Separated from didymium by Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1885; NdFeB magnets were invented in 1984.
Safety notes
The magnets, not the chemistry, are the hazard: strong neodymium magnets can pinch skin and are dangerous if swallowed.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Neodymium
1. What is the chemical symbol of Neodymium?
2. What is the atomic number of Neodymium?
3. Which category does Neodymium belong to?
4. What is the state of Neodymium at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Neodymium in?
Neodymium FAQs
What is the atomic number of neodymium?
Neodymium's atomic number is 60 — every neodymium atom has 60 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for neodymium?
Nd. From Greek neos didymos — “new twin”.
Is neodymium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Neodymium is classified as a lanthanide.
What state is neodymium at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, neodymium is a solid. It melts at 1023.9 °C.
What is neodymium used for?
Key uses include: ndfeb permanent magnets (motors, wind turbines, speakers); powerful lasers (nd:yag); violet glass colouring.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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