Tantalite
A variety of Minerals
What is Tantalite?
If you are tantalized by tantalite, you must have an affinity for large, less than glimmering gems! Most specimens of tantalite that are unearthed are quite large, dull, and are better seen as a fun find than an ornamental adornment. In industrial applications, it is an ore of Tantalum and used for multiple high-tech devices.
Uses & Applications
Tantalite is the most abundant ore of tantalum and niobium. Tantalum is used in jet engine components, metalworking equipment, and capacitors for phones, computers, and automotive electronics. Niobium is used to manufacture high-strength low-alloy steel. The luster and beauty of the crystals make tantalite a worthy specimen for many mineral collectors.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 2.190-2.457
- Birefringence
- 0.083
- Pleochroism
- Sometimes strong
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tantalite 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.
Tantalite Localities Map
See where Tantalite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
Tantalite's name is derived from the Greek myth of "Tantalus." However, the link between the myth and the stone is unknown. Tantalus, a son of Zeus, was punished in the afterlife, stuck in a pool of water under a fruit tree for eternity, with both the fruit and water always just out of reach.
Key Characteristics
Rock Types of Tantalite
Iron-rich tantalite is the mineral tantalite-(Fe) or ferrotantalite and manganese-rich is tantalite-(Mn) or manganotantalite. Tantalite is also very close to tapiolite. Those minerals have same chemical composition, but different crystal symmetry orthorhombic for tantalite and tetragonal for tapiolite. Tantalite is black to brown in both color and streak. Manganese-rich tantalites can be brown and translucent.
Formation of Tantalite
Tantalite occurs in granitic pegmatites that are rich in rare-earth elements, and in placer deposits derived from such rocks. It has been found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia (Guainía and Vichada), Egypt, northern Europe, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States (California, Colorado, Maine, and Virginia), and Zimbabwe. Brazil has the world's largest reserve of tantalite (52.1%).
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Tantalite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Niobium, Tantalum.
- ⚠️The mining of tantalite causes many environmental and social problems in Democratic Republic of Congo.
- ⚠️Niobium, Tantalum
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle tantalite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing tantalite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store tantalite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Dark black, iron-black to dark brown, reddish brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6 - 6.5
- Density
- 7.9 - 8.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish-red to black
- Luster
- Resinous, Metallic
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Mn, Fe)(Ta, Nb)2O6
- Elements
- Fe, Mn, Nb, O, Ta
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Tantalite FAQs
How do I identify Tantalite?
Tantalite can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Dark black color, Resinous, Metallic luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Tantalite?
Tantalite typically appears in Dark black, iron-black to dark brown, reddish brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Tantalite?
Tantalite has a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the rock types of tantalite of Tantalite?
Iron-rich tantalite is the mineral tantalite-(Fe) or ferrotantalite and manganese-rich is tantalite-(Mn) or manganotantalite. Tantalite is also very close to tapiolite. Those minerals have same chemical composition, but different crystal symmetry orthorhombic for tantalite and tetragonal for tapiolite. Tantalite is black to brown in both color and streak. Manganese-rich tantalites can be brown and translucent.
What is the formation of tantalite of Tantalite?
Tantalite occurs in granitic pegmatites that are rich in rare-earth elements, and in placer deposits derived from such rocks. It has been found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia (Guainía and Vichada), Egypt, northern Europe, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States (California, Colorado, Maine, and Virginia), and Zimbabwe. Brazil has the world's largest reserve of tantalite (52.1%).
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