Tantalcarbide
A variety of Minerals
What is Tantalcarbide?
Tantalcarbide is a rare mineral of tantalum carbide with formula TaC. With a molecular weight of 192.96 g/mol, its primary constituents are tantalum (93.78%) and carbon (6.22%), and has an isometric crystal system. It generally exhibits a bronze or brown to yellow color. On the Mohs hardness scale it registers as a 6-7. Tantalcarbide is generally found in a granular state. It is extremely dense at 14.6 g/ c m 3 {\displaystyle cm^{3}} . Sub-conchoidal fracturing is exhibited. Specimens are extremely rare in nature. It is the only known mineral to exhibit the composition of TaC. Tantalum carbide powder is used for many real world applications. Generally however it is not produced from the mineral tantalcarbide due to the rarity. Instead it is prepared by other means.
Etymology & Origins
The name tantalcarbide is quite clearly a mention to its primary constituents of tantalum and carbon. However it was originally thought to be native tantalum in 1909. It was renamed to tantalum carbide in 1926, then renamed to tantalcarbide in 1966.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tantalcarbide before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Tantalcarbide Localities Map
See where Tantalcarbide is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Tantalcarbide
Tantalcarbide is Hexoctahedral, with a space group of Fm3m. Its generally found as granular or tabular crystals. Quite often it is found mixed with other sands. It has an extremely high melting point of around 3800 °C, although actually testing of this has not been documented. Tantalcarbide is isostructural with Nio bocarbide, and is coincidentally found in the same localities. Niobocarbide is composed of niobium and carbon.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Bronze
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6 - 7
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- TaC
- Elements
- C, Ta
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Tantalcarbide FAQs
How do I identify Tantalcarbide?
Tantalcarbide can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Bronze color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Tantalcarbide?
Tantalcarbide typically appears in Bronze. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Tantalcarbide?
Tantalcarbide has a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of tantalcarbide of Tantalcarbide?
Tantalcarbide is Hexoctahedral, with a space group of Fm3m. Its generally found as granular or tabular crystals. Quite often it is found mixed with other sands. It has an extremely high melting point of around 3800 °C, although actually testing of this has not been documented. Tantalcarbide is isostructural with Nio bocarbide, and is coincidentally found in the same localities. Niobocarbide is composed of niobium and carbon.
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