Tantalite

Introduction: Tantalite is so called because of the presence of the element tantalum. Ferrotantalite is the most common variety of this mineral usually forming metallic or black crystals. The melting point of tantalite is almost 3,000º C, making it ideal to use in the manufacture of electrical and chemical products such as amplifiers and alloys.

Distribution: Found in many tin bearing pegmatites. Tantalite Valley in southern Namibia was named because of its huge deposits.

Composition: Oxide

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Lustre: Weakly metallic (ferrotantalite)

Streak: Brown, black (ferrotantalite), dark-red (manganotantalite)

Hardness: 6-6.5