Niobium, also termed Columbium, is a shiny grey metal that takes on a bluish tinge when exposed to air at room temperature. Due to its low capture cross section for thermal neutrons, Niobium has application in the nuclear industry. Niobium can be electrically heated and anodized to a wide variety of colors that makes it very attractive in the jewelry industry. Niobium is added to iron or nickel to produce alloys in the aerospace, medical and electronics industries.