Tantalite

tantalite

oxide

tantalum

columbite

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Formulae:
Tantalite-(Fe): Fe²⁺Ta₂O₆
Tantalite-(Mg): MgTa₂O₆
Tantalite-(Mn): Mn²⁺Ta₂O₆
These are multiple oxides containing tantalum, and members of the columbite group
Specific gravity: 6.7 to 8.2
Hardness: 5½ to 6½
Streak: Black-brown, brown-red, brown
Colour: Brownish black, black, brown
Solubility: Insoluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid; slightly soluble in sulphuric acid
Environments:

Pegmatites

Tantalite occurs in granitic rocks and pegmatites, associated with quartz, feldspar, mica, tourmaline, beryl, spodumene, cassiterite, hübnerite-ferberite, microlite and monazite-(Ce).

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