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Tantalite

Tantalite

A species of Minerals

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.

Hardness
Hardness:

6 - 6.5

Density
Density:

7.9 - 8.2 g/cm³

General Info About Tantalite

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Physical Properties of Tantalite

Luster
Resinous, Metallic
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Colors
Dark black, iron-black to dark brown, reddish brown
Magnetism
Magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Good
Fracture
Subconchoidal
Streak
Brownish-red to black
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Hardness
6 - 6.5 , Hard
Density
7.9 - 8.2 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight
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Chemical Properties of Tantalite

Chemical Classification
Oxides
Formula
(Mn, Fe)(Ta, Nb)2O6
Elements listed
Fe, Mn, Nb, O, Ta

Optical Properties of Tantalite

Refractive Index
2.190-2.457
Birefringence
0.083
Pleochroism
Sometimes strong
Optical Character
Biaxial positive

Health Risk of Tantalite

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What is the hazards of Tantalite?

Harm Type
Heavy Metals
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

How to prevent the risks of Tantalite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!
Avoid putting it into mouth!
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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Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Tantalite

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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%).

Cultural Significance of Tantalite

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Uses of Tantalite

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.

The Meaning of Tantalite

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.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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