Niobium is gray, like all other metals. However, by applying a pacifying oxide layer, it will gleam in a beautiful array of colors. In fact, niobium does not just look pretty. Like tantalum, it's resistant to many chemicals and can be formed easily even at low temperatures. Niobium is special for the reason this high level of resistance is achieved at a comparatively low weight. This material can be used to manufacture coin inserts of all colors, corrosion-resistant evaporation boats to be used in coating technology and dimensionally stable crucibles for diamond growth. Because of its high level of biocompatibility, niobium is additionally used as an implanting material. Because of its high transition temperature, niobium is also the perfect material for superconducting cables and magnets