Write the formula for neodymium(III) oxide, the violet glass colorant.
Nd3+ with O2- crosses to Nd2O3. A pinch in glass gives the shifting lilac of 'alexandrite-effect' glassware that changes color between daylight and lamplight.
What Is the Charge of Neodymium?
Neodymium commonly forms Nd3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Neodymium is Nd3+ in compounds — the ion that colors glass violet-purple and lases at 1064 nm in Nd:YAG lasers. In the famous magnets it is a neutral atom in the Nd2Fe14B alloy, contributing its f electrons' magnetism rather than a charge.
| Element | Neodymium |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Nd |
| Atomic number | 60 |
| Common ionic charge | +3 |
| Common ions | Nd3+ |
Visual reference
Neodymium element image and atomic model
Images are used as visual references; charge rules still depend on the compound.
The electron story behind Neodymium's charge
Neodymium is [Xe]4f4 6s2, and like nearly every lanthanide it settles at 3+ (f3) — the balance point where further ionization costs more than lattice or hydration energy repays. Its unpaired f electrons make both the ion and the alloy strongly magnetic.
This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.
The assumption that trips people up on Neodymium
Thinking neodymium magnets attract because of ionic charge. Magnetism here is electron spin alignment in the neutral alloy; an N52 magnet carries no net charge. The Nd3+ ion appears in the mine and the chemistry lab, not in the magnet's pull.
Worked example: Nd in a formula problem
Nd3+ in real compounds
NdCl3
Neodymium chloride
Nd3+ balances chloride ions.
Nd2O3
Neodymium oxide
Neodymium can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
Questions students ask about neodymium
What does Nd3+ do inside a YAG laser rod?
A few percent of yttrium sites carry Nd3+ instead; flashlamps pump its f electrons up, and their synchronized fall emits the infrared beam that cuts steel and removes tattoos. Identical 3+ charges make the substitution seamless.
Why are neodymium magnets so hard to recycle?
Separating Nd3+ from other 3+ lanthanides in scrap requires the same tedious solvent-extraction chemistry as mining fresh ore — nearly identical charges and radii resist every shortcut.
Do neodymium compounds appear anywhere at +2 or +4?
NdI2 exists as a solid-state curiosity, but no aqueous or practical chemistry uses it. On any exam, neodymium is +3.
How do I use this charge in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero — or let the ionic compound calculator do the crossing for you. The full chart lives on the periodic table with charges.
Where this data comes from
Charges and element facts on this page are checked against the primary references below. Found an error? Email hello@periodictablewithcharges.com — corrections ship in the next content update. See how this site is edited.