A rare element of the vanadium group, first found in a variety of the mineral columbite occurring in Connecticut, probably at Haddam. Atomic weight 94.2. Symbol Cb or Nb. Now more commonly called niobium.

a former name for niobium

A metallic element added to steel. In small amounts (0.05%) columbium acts as a grain refiner and improves hot working. In the range of 2-3% it serves as a stabilizer in austenitic stainless steels.