Chemist Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach discovered neodymium in 1885 by separating neodymia and praseodymia.
Since neodymium easily tarnishes in air, scientists keep it in light mineral oil or sealed in plastic.
Magnets made with neodymium are the strong and lightweight. They are used in microphones, ear phones and guitar pick-ups. Neodymium is also used to color the glass in goggles.
Neodymium costs about $1 per gram.
Like all rare earth elements, neodymium has low to moderate levels of toxicity. Neodymium can irritate skin and eyes. Inhaling it can cause damage to the lungs and liver.