Charles Hatchett, English Chemist

Charles Hatchett (January 2, 1765 - March 10, 1847) was an English chemist. In 1801 while working for the British Museum in London, Hatchett analyzed a piece of columbite in the museum's collection. Columbite turned out to be a very complex mineral, and Hachett discovered that it contained a new earth which implied the existence of a new element. Hatchett called this new element columbium (Cb) in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. In November of that year he announced his discovery before the Royal Society. The element was later rediscovered and renamed niobium (its current name). Since 1979, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) has given the Charles Hatchett Award yearly to a noted metallurgist. The award is given to the author of the best paper on the science and technology of niobium and its alloys. This image has been color enhanced

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Chemical Chemistry Discovered Element Enhancement Hatchett Niobium

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > PHR