Niobium

Niobium is a natural element. It is a gray metal that has a wide range of uses from use in hypoallergenic jewelry to jet engines to superconducting magnets. Niobium is a reactive metal similar to titanium but is considered semi-precious and is very similar in cost to sterling silver (a little bit more expensive).  It can be colored through a process of anodization. For me as an artist, the best part is that this process is completely non-toxic!! The resulting anodized color is unaffected by sunlight and does not fade. While the color can be scratched and scraped off, similar to a patina, it does not peel off, as the color is actually part of the metal. Niobium is feather light, yet very hard and durable—-much harder than sterling silver.

Aerospace companies use anodizing processes to protect metals from the effects of aging, wear, and corrosion.

 

 

Niobium Colors

The anadization process is achieved by bathing the niobium pieces in an electrified water bath…the color is changed by increasing the voltage of electricity which runs through the bath. The process is relatively safe (I wear rubber gloves to keep grounded), and is non-toxic and chemical free. The color range is limited to the colors that niobium naturally produces (there are no dyes added), and therefore, there is no way to make black or red, and the orange hues are not true ‘crayola’ orange, but a more salmony-apricotish color. What is possible are 30 hues that range from gray, bronze, blues, purples, yellows, pinks, and greens, and everything between. I will make a color chart to post just as soon as I can.

 
 

Niobium Care

·        Niobium is hypoallergenic and won’t tarnish over time

·        However, oil and grease can affect the color and make it look dull.  To clean the niobium, simply wash in warm soapy water with a soft cloth or brush. I recommend Dawn dish soap, which is what I use in my studio.

·        Do not use abrasives. Use a papertowl or cloth to pat dry. Because the color is created from an oxide layer of the surface of the metal similar to blackened jewelry which is achieved with a patina— if you scratch it, the color will be removed. So, do not use a scouring pad to clean your pieces.

·        As with all of my work, avoid wearing your jewelry while swimming, cleaning, or during any actives where it is likely to get dirty or damaged including applying make-up or perfume.