Columbite-(Fe)

columbite-(Fe)

columbite-(Mn)

niobium

tantalite-(Fe)

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Formula: Fe²⁺Nb₂O₆
Multiple oxide containing niobium, columbite group, forms series with tantalite-(Fe) and with columbite-(Mn)
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 5.2 to 6.65 measured, 5.43 calculated
Hardness: 6
Streak: Black to dark brown
Colour: Black to brownish black, commonly tarnishes to iridescent
Magnetism: Paramagnetic
Environments

Pegmatites
Carbonatites rarely
Placer deposits

Columbite-(Fe) occurs as an accessory mineral in granitic pegmatites, rarely in carbonatites and in placer deposits (Mindat).

Localities

The type locality is the Green's Well pegmatite, Pilgangoora, East Pilbara Shire, Western Australia.

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