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Tantalite

Tantalite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Tantalite Polished Tantalite Rough
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Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Tantalite Colors
  • Countries of Origin
  • Care
  • Species/Variety

Tantalite’s name alludes to the tantalum that makes up a large part of its chemical formula. Tantalite has numerous industrial uses but is only of interest for its mineral specimens and for exotic gemstone collectors. The color ranges from brownish to black sometimes with a red component.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Tantalite
Species
Tantalite
Transparency
Opaque-Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: Strong Fire
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 2.140-2.340
Birefringence
0.070- 0.200
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive or Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
CCF Reaction
None
Pleochroism
Trichroic, Red, reddish brown, orange
Hardness
6
Streak
Red, black
Specific Gravity
6.650-8.000
Toughness
Fair
Luster
Vitreous, Submetallic
Fracture
Subconchoidal, uneven
Cleavage
Good
Chemical Name
Iron Manganese Tantalum Niobium Oxide
Chemical Formula
(Mn2+, Fe2+)(Ta, Nb)2O6
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Chemistry Classification
Oxide

Tantalite Colors

  • Black Tantalite
    Black
  • Brown Tantalite
    Brown
  • Colorless Tantalite
    Colorless
  • Pink Tantalite
    Pink
  • Red Tantalite
    Red

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Afghanistan; Russian Federation; United States of America; Madagascar; Canada; Sweden; Unknown; Norway; China; Finland; Brazil; Zimbabwe; Australia

Care

Normal care

Species/Variety

Manganotantalite

Manganotantalite is an intense red to reddish brown variety of tantalite with a high manganese and low iron composition. Prized for its exceptional dispersion, this mineral yields beautiful faceted gemstones, thanks in large part to its orthorhombic crystal structure. However, faceted gems are very limited in availability.

Manganotantalite Tantalite
Manganotantalite Tantalite
  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical properties
Common Name
Manganotantalite
Dispersion
Strength: strong fire
Refractive Index
Over the Limit 2.19-2.34
Birefringence
0.015
Pleochroism
Trichroic, strong red, brown, and orange
Specific Gravity
7.73
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