Atomic / phase data
Reference atomic and phase values are source-reviewed.
Material structure
The ordinary elemental structure is measured; the viewer is a teaching representation.
Element vs material uses
Uses distinguish elemental metal from compounds, alloys, dopants or medical formulations.
Geography
Discovery/supply context is selective and does not fabricate deposits or facilities.
The lens describes evidence status, not confidence theatre. “Unknown” is kept unknown, and teaching schematics are not presented as direct measurements.
Neodymium (Nd)
Neodymium is element 60, a lanthanide whose Nd³⁺ chemistry, 4f electrons and distinctive metal phases connect atomic structure to Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets, Nd:YAG lasers and rare-earth materials.
Neodymium atomic number, mass, electron configuration and key properties
Neodymium: quick answers
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does neodymium have?
Neodymium’s atomic number is 60, so every neodymium atom has 60 protons, and a neutral atom also has 60 electrons. Its most common natural isotope, neodymium-142, has 82 neutrons (other isotopes have different neutron counts).
What is the symbol for neodymium?
The chemical symbol for neodymium is Nd.
Is neodymium a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature?
Neodymium is a solid at room temperature (about 25 °C).
What family (group) is neodymium in?
Neodymium is a lanthanide, in period 6 (the f-block row shown below the main table) of the periodic table.
What is the electron configuration of neodymium?
The ground-state electron configuration of neodymium is [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s².
From atomic number to chemistry
Read these as a chain of causes, not as isolated facts. Each step links to the concept hub if you want the underlying idea explained.
60 protons define neodymium.
The ground-state configuration frames atomic and chemical behavior.
Periodic position organizes recurring chemistry and trends.
The teaching nucleus is one isotope, not the relative atomic mass.
Phase claims preserve source-reviewed evidence and allotrope context.
Neodymium in its period and family
Neodymium is an early lanthanide. Removing two 6s electrons and one 4f electron gives the common Nd³⁺ state while leaving partially filled 4f orbitals that drive distinctive optical and magnetic behavior.
Neodymium Visual Lab
Explore Nd across the teaching nucleus, isolated-atom orbitals, evidence-aware material structure and temperature/evidence views, then connect those models to uses, isotopes, search-led questions and source-backed context.
Every mark points to one exact feature
The numbered markers explain the same information system used throughout Element Lookup. Unknown or predicted fields remain visibly labelled rather than being replaced with guesses.
Neodymium in one minute
Atomic number 60 means 60 protons.
Neutral Neodymium has [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s².
Its representative teaching isotope is ¹⁴²Nd.
A “neodymium magnet” is not pure neodymium.
The ordinary material reference is double hexagonal close-packed near room temperature.
Shell rings organize electron counts. They are not electron trajectories or orbital shapes.
2 · 8 · 18 · 22 · 8 · 2 electrons
The 4f_xyz, 6s visuals are isolated-atom probability teaching models. They do not depict electron bands, bonding orbitals or the crystal electronic structure of Neodymium materials.
Neodymium metal is double-hexagonal close-packed near room temperature and transforms to BCC at high temperature. The viewer shows a DHCP teaching model; the phase track carries the solid-solid transition.. The viewer is evidence-aware: measured structures are identified as such; unknown bulk structures stay unknown.
Teaching visualization; not a literal finite sample or thermal trajectory.What this model does—and does not—show
The 4f_xyz, 6s visuals are isolated-atom probability teaching models. They do not depict electron bands, bonding orbitals or the crystal electronic structure of Neodymium materials.
Where do I meet neodymium?
Clickable learning cards connect the element to materials, environment, technology, biology or research - depending on what the evidence actually supports.
Permanent magnets
Nd-Fe-B magnets are engineered intermetallic/material systems containing neodymium, iron and boron.
Nd³⁺ → 4f anisotropy → Nd-Fe-B magnets
A “neodymium magnet” is not pure neodymium. The strongest common permanent magnets are engineered Nd-Fe-B materials, especially the Nd₂Fe₁₄B phase. Their strong magnetism comes from the ordered compound/microstructure, not from a lump of elemental Nd alone.
Nd³⁺
The trivalent state dominates ordinary Nd chemistry.
Neodymium in periodic context
Compare nearby or family-related elements without treating a trend as a substitute for element-specific evidence.
| Series | lanthanide |
|---|---|
| 4f count | early |
| Series | lanthanide |
|---|---|
| Magnet | Nd-Fe-B |
| Series | lanthanide |
|---|---|
| Stable isotopes | none |
Neodymium properties: atomic, physical, thermal and chemical
Categories follow the science of this element rather than a fixed decorative template. Each row carries condition/provenance context and an evidence label; unknown values stay unknown.
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 60 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Relative atomic mass | 144.242 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ground-state electron configuration | [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s² | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Group / period / block | Group Lanthanide · Period 6 · f-block | Periodic-table placement | Evaluated |
| Electronegativity | 1.14 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Reference isotope | ¹⁴²Nd | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| State context | Silvery lanthanide metal | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Density | 7.01 g/cm³ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Material / molecular structure | Double hexagonal close-packed near room temperature | Neodymium metal is double-hexagonal close-packed near room temperature and transforms to BCC at high temperature. The viewer shows a DHCP teaching model; the phase track carries the solid-solid transition. | Measured |
| Classification | Lanthanide | Periodic-table / chemistry classification | Evaluated |
| Structure-model scope | Neodymium metal is double-hexagonal close-packed near room temperature and transforms to BCC at high temperature. The viewer shows a DHCP teaching model; the phase track carries the solid-solid transition. | Teaching visualization; exact crystallographic coordinates are not implied unless stated. | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting / transition reference | 1289 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Boiling / gas reference | 3347 K | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Phase-path context | At approximately standard pressure, neodymium is DHCP at lower temperatures, transforms to BCC near 1133 K, melts at 1289 K, and boils near 3347 K. | Shared phase registry drives the slider, regions and markers. | Evaluated |
| Condition warning | Temperature and pressure define phase behavior; purity/allotropy may matter. | Teaching condition statement | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common oxidation states | +3 | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Ion / common ion context | Nd³⁺ | Source-reviewed; see Sources below | Evaluated |
| Periodic chemistry context | Neodymium is an early lanthanide. Removing two 6s electrons and one 4f electron gives the common Nd³⁺ state while leaving partially filled 4f orbitals that drive distinctive optical and magnetic behavior. | Element-specific interpretation | Reviewed |
| Chemistry caution | Elemental form, ions and compounds are distinct chemical objects. | Interpretive teaching rule | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¹⁴²Nd | Stable natural isotope | Most abundant natural neodymium isotope. | Evaluated |
| ¹⁴⁴Nd | Very long-lived alpha emitter | Natural isotope whose half-life is enormous. | Evaluated |
| ¹⁵⁰Nd | Very long-lived double-beta emitter | Natural isotope studied in nuclear physics. | Evaluated |
| Teaching nucleus | ¹⁴²Nd · 60 protons + 82 neutrons | Reference isotope used in the nucleus model | Reviewed |
| Property | Value | Context / provenance | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page evidence note | Atomic identity, reference values and ordinary structures are source-reviewed. Material viewers are teaching representations, not crystallographic refinements. Search demand never overrides measured/evaluated evidence or compound-vs-element distinctions. | Evidence summary for this guide | Reviewed |
| Structure evidence | Neodymium metal is double-hexagonal close-packed near room temperature and transforms to BCC at high temperature. The viewer shows a DHCP teaching model; the phase track carries the solid-solid transition. | Measured structure, labelled schematic, prediction or explicit unknown as applicable. | Reviewed |
| Map evidence rule | Real pins are reviewed examples; conceptual layers are used when pins would mislead. | Geography Explorer 2.0 | Reviewed |
| Source set | 3 primary/reference links listed below | Open the Sources section for the actual references. | Reviewed |
Is Neodymium a solid, liquid or gas? State at temperature
At approximately standard pressure, neodymium is DHCP at lower temperatures, transforms to BCC near 1133 K, melts at 1289 K, and boils near 3347 K.
Where on Earth is Neodymium found or produced?
Who discovered Neodymium, and when?
Carl Auer von Welsbach separated didymium into neodymium and praseodymium.
Spectroscopy confirmed distinct rare-earth identities.
Nd-doped laser materials became important solid-state laser media.
Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets transformed compact motor, audio and electronics design.
From source material to Neodymium applications: high-level material path
Mixed rare-earth minerals enter beneficiation and chemical separation.
Closely related lanthanides are separated to produce neodymium-rich compounds or metal/alloy feedstocks.
Magnet manufacturing combines neodymium with iron and boron into engineered magnetic phases; laser routes use Nd³⁺ dopants in host crystals.
Magnet recycling and rare-earth recovery can return neodymium to the material cycle.
What is neodymium used for?
Permanent magnets
Nd-Fe-B magnets support motors, generators, speakers and many compact devices.
Lasers
Nd³⁺-doped crystals such as Nd:YAG serve as laser gain media.
Glass & optics
Neodymium compounds color and filter specialty glass.
Research & materials
Nd isotopes and compounds support geochemistry, spectroscopy and advanced-material studies.
Neodymium isotopes and natural abundance
¹⁴²Nd
Stable natural isotopeMost abundant natural neodymium isotope.
¹⁴⁴Nd
Very long-lived alpha emitterNatural isotope whose half-life is enormous.
¹⁵⁰Nd
Very long-lived double-beta emitterNatural isotope studied in nuclear physics.
Five-question Neodymium check
What is Neodymium’s atomic number?
Which classification best fits Neodymium?
What is the representative teaching isotope?
Which statement respects the material evidence?
Which rule should guide real-world uses?
Neodymium questions students commonly ask
Each answer starts with the direct fact, then explains the chemistry, evidence or material context so the result is understandable rather than merely memorized.
What is neodymium?
Short answer: Neodymium is chemical element 60, a lanthanide metal.
Atomic number 60 means every neodymium nucleus contains 60 protons. In the periodic table, Neodymium is classified here as a lanthanide in Period 6 and Group Lanthanide. Neodymium is an early lanthanide. Removing two 6s electrons and one 4f electron gives the common Nd³⁺ state while leaving partially filled 4f orbitals that drive distinctive optical and magnetic behavior.
Key point: Nd is element 60; its periodic position and electron structure explain the rest of the page.
What is a neodymium magnet?
Short answer: It is an engineered Nd-Fe-B magnetic material, not pure elemental neodymium.
A “neodymium magnet” is not pure neodymium. The strongest common permanent magnets are engineered Nd-Fe-B materials, especially the Nd₂Fe₁₄B phase. Their strong magnetism comes from the ordered compound/microstructure, not from a lump of elemental Nd alone. Permanent magnets Nd-Fe-B magnets are engineered intermetallic/material systems containing neodymium, iron and boron.
Key point: The mechanism matters: connect the observed behavior to electron structure, bonding, phase or the specific material form rather than memorizing the result alone.
What is neodymium used for?
Short answer: Major uses include Nd-Fe-B magnets, Nd-doped lasers and specialty glass.
Permanent magnets: Nd-Fe-B magnets support motors, generators, speakers and many compact devices. Lasers: Nd³⁺-doped crystals such as Nd:YAG serve as laser gain media. A “neodymium magnet” is not pure neodymium. The strongest common permanent magnets are engineered Nd-Fe-B materials, especially the Nd₂Fe₁₄B phase. Their strong magnetism comes from the ordered compound/microstructure, not from a lump of elemental Nd alone.
Key point: Always distinguish the pure element from the compound, alloy, isotope or device material that actually performs the application.
Is neodymium magnetic?
Short answer: Elemental neodymium has magnetic behavior, but the exceptionally strong permanent magnets are Nd-Fe-B materials with ordered magnetic phases.
A “neodymium magnet” is not pure neodymium. The strongest common permanent magnets are engineered Nd-Fe-B materials, especially the Nd₂Fe₁₄B phase. Their strong magnetism comes from the ordered compound/microstructure, not from a lump of elemental Nd alone. Neodymium is element 60, a lanthanide whose Nd³⁺ chemistry, 4f electrons and distinctive metal phases connect atomic structure to Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets, Nd:YAG lasers and rare-earth materials.
Key point: The mechanism matters: connect the observed behavior to electron structure, bonding, phase or the specific material form rather than memorizing the result alone.
Who discovered neodymium?
Short answer: Carl Auer von Welsbach separated it from didymium in 1885.
In 1885, Carl Auer von Welsbach separated didymium into neodymium and praseodymium. In the late 19th century, Spectroscopy confirmed distinct rare-earth identities.
Key point: Discovery credit follows the historical evidence and accepted attribution, not just the earliest claim.
How do you pronounce neodymium?
Short answer: A common English pronunciation is “nee-oh-DIM-ee-um.”
Pronunciation is a speaking aid; in chemical notation the element is identified unambiguously by the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. That distinction matters when element names are unfamiliar or similarly spelled.
Key point: Say the name as shown, but use Nd and atomic number 60 for unambiguous chemical identity.
Is neodymium a metal?
Short answer: Yes. It is a lanthanide metal.
This guide classifies Neodymium as a lanthanide. Its periodic position is Period 6, f-block, Group Lanthanide. Neodymium is an early lanthanide. Removing two 6s electrons and one 4f electron gives the common Nd³⁺ state while leaving partially filled 4f orbitals that drive distinctive optical and magnetic behavior.
Key point: Periodic-table classification describes recurring atomic/chemical behavior; it does not make every element in a column physically identical.
Scientific sources for Neodymium
- Royal Society of Chemistry - Neodymium
- NIST - Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions
- USGS - Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026
Questions to ask next about Neodymium
A good element lesson should lead to the next useful question, not end after a list of facts.
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