60
Nd
Neodymium
144.242
Neodymium (Nd)
LanthanidePeriod 6f-block-block
Neodymium is a chemical element with symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal that tarnishes in air. Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Latin name: Neodymium
Atomic Number
60
Atomic Mass
144.242 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Solid
Electron Config.
[Xe] 4f⁴ 6s²
General
SymbolNd
Atomic Number60
Atomic Mass144.242 g/mol
CategoryLanthanide
Period6
Blockf-block
Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f⁴ 6s²
Valence Electrons4
Coloursilvery-white metallic
Appearancesilvery white
CAS NumberCAS7440-00-8
Physical Properties
Phase (STP)Solid
Density7.01 g/cm³
Melting Point1020.85°C · 1869.53°F · 1294.00 K
Boiling Point3073.85°C · 5564.93°F · 3347.00 K
Atomic Properties
Atomic Radius229 pm
Electronegativity1.14 Pauling
Ionization Energy533 kJ/mol
Oxidation States+3
Ion ChargeNd3+
Thermodynamic
Molar Heat27.45 J/(mol·K)
Crystal Structure
Crystal Structurehexagonal close-packed
Mechanical Properties
Mohs Hardness2.5
Nuclear & Hazards
Half-lifestable
Abundance
In Universe0.00005999999999999999%
In Sun0.00005%
In Earth's Crust0.3300%
In Meteorites0.0002%
Discovery & History
Discovery Year1885
Discovered ByCarl Auer von Welsbach
Country of DiscoveryAustria
Isotopes of Neodymium
| Isotope | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nd-142 | 27.2% | Stable | — |
| Nd-143 | 12.2% | Stable | — |
| Nd-144 | 23.8% | 2.29 × 10¹⁵ years | α |
| Nd-145 | 8.3% | Stable | — |
| Nd-146 | 17.2% | Stable | — |
| Nd-148 | 5.7% | Stable | — |
| Nd-150 | 5.6% | 6.7 × 10¹⁸ years | β⁻β⁻ |