Isotopes
Natural neodymium is a mixture of seven stable isotopes. Fourteen other radioactive isotopes are
recognized.
Uses
Didymium, of which neodymium is a component, is used for coloring glass to make welders goggles. By
itself, neodymium colors glass delicate shades ranging from pure violet through wine-red and warm gray.
Light transmitted through such glass shows unusually sharp absorption bands. The glass has been used in
astronomical work to produce sharp bands by which spectral lines may be calibrated. Glass containing
neodymium can be used as a laser material to produce coherent light. Neodymium salts are also used as a
colorant for enamels.
Cost
The price of the metal is about $1/g.
Handling
Neodymium has a low-to-moderate acute toxic rating. As with other rare earths, neodymium should be
handled with care.
Sources: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and the American Chemical Society.
Last Updated: 12/19/97, CST Information Services Team
Neodymium