Neodymium is element number 60, with the symbol Nd. Its name comes from the Greek for “new” and “twin.”
Atomic number 60144.2
NdNeodymiumネオジム (neojimu)
Symbol
Nd
Atomic weight
144.2
Place in the table
Period 6 · Lanthanoids
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
The “new twin”
Neodymium was discovered in 1885. It was found together with praseodymium, so it was given a “twin” name. “New” is the same Greek word as in neon.
Where it sits on the table
The fifteen elements from lanthanum to lutetium are called the lanthanoids. On the Room of the Elements table they are in the upper of the two rows set apart at the bottom.
Think about it
Q1Both neon and neodymium contain “new.” Are there other element names that share a word?
Q2How do you think scientists separated two things alike enough to be called twins?
Q3How many lanthanoid names can you say?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — The Greek word for “new” is used in two element names: neon (Ne) and neodymium (Nd).