Fun Facts About Titanium & Niobium You Didn’t Know

At Nonita Jewelry, I design and handcraft every piece myself. I carefully choose materials that are not only beautiful but also skin-friendly, durable, and full of character. That's why two of my absolute favorites are titanium and niobium.

These remarkable metals are more than just hypoallergenic. They are strong, lightweight, naturally colorful (yes, really!), and they come with fascinating histories that make them even more special.

Let me share some of the fun and unexpected facts I’ve learned about these incredible materials and explain why I love creating with them.

 

Titanium: Light as a Feather, Strong as Steel

1. It has a fascinating discovery story.
Titanium was first discovered in 1791 by British clergyman and mineralogist William Gregor. He originally named it manaccanite after the village of Manaccan in Cornwall, UK. A few years later, in 1795, German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth independently discovered the element and renamed it titanium. The name was inspired by the Titans of Greek mythology, ancient gods known for their strength and power. It’s a fitting name for such a mighty metal.

2. It’s stronger than steel but much lighter.
Titanium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is nearly as strong as steel, yet about 45 percent lighter. That means you can wear a bold, durable piece of jewelry that still feels light and comfortable all day.

3. It’s used in spacecrafts and medical implants.
The same metal I use in your earrings and necklaces is also used in NASA spacecrafts, jet engines, and surgical implants. Titanium is extremely biocompatible and highly resistant to corrosion.

4. It doesn’t rust or tarnish.
Titanium is naturally corrosion-resistant. That makes it a great choice for everyday wear, even in salty seawater or humid climates.

5. It’s hypoallergenic.
Titanium is nickel-free, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

6. It’s nearly indestructible.
Titanium jewelry is built to last. It resists scratching and bending, making it a smart, long-term investment.

Niobium: Colorful, Creative, and Allergy-Friendly

1. It’s named after a goddess and has an interesting naming history.
The name niobium comes from Niobe, the Greek goddess of tears and daughter of King Tantalus. Her story symbolizes sorrow and endurance, which I think reflects the resilience of this beautiful metal.
When niobium was first discovered in 1801 by English chemist Charles Hatchett, he named it columbium with the symbol Cb. The name referred to Columbia, a poetic name for the United States, since the ore sample came from there. For over a hundred years, the name columbium was used in the United States while Europe used the name niobium. In 1949, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry officially standardized the name as niobium.

2. It can change color without the use of paint.
Niobium can be anodized to create vibrant and permanent colors. No dyes or coatings are needed. Anodizing can also be done with titanium. The colors appear because of how light reflects off a thin oxide layer on the surface. It is a perfect mix of science and art.

3. It’s completely hypoallergenic.
Niobium contains no nickel or alloys, making it one of the most skin-friendly metals available. It is an excellent option for people with even the most sensitive skin.

4. It is soft and easy to shape.
Niobium is more malleable than titanium. This gives me more flexibility in creating detailed and hand-formed jewelry designs.

5. It resists corrosion even in extreme conditions.
Like titanium, niobium does not tarnish or rust. It stays beautiful and low-maintenance no matter where life takes you.

Why I Love Working with Titanium and Niobium

I don’t use titanium and niobium because they are trendy. I use them because they are:

• Gentle on your skin
• Lightweight and perfect for everyday wear
• Durable and resistant to corrosion
• Boldly colorful without the need for coatings or chemicals

These metals allow me to create jewelry that is stylish, expressive, safe, practical, and made to last.

Want to See the Magic for Yourself?

At Nonita Jewelry, I create each piece with care, creativity, and a deep respect for your skin. Whether you are drawn to the sleek elegance of titanium or the joyful vibrance of anodized niobium, you will find something that feels like you.