Columbite-(Mn)
Wodgina Tantalite Mine, Wodgina, Abydos Station, Port Hedland Shire, Western Australia, Australia
5.3 x 3.2 x 1.8 cm. This mine was the world's major supplier of tantalum during the twentieth century until its depletion by 1994 (MINDAT). Specimens of any variety are rare from this pegmatite. A blocky, sharp, doubly terminated, brown crystal with moderate lustre has only a contacted face and slight bruising on one corner. A textbook, very rare ...
© Rob Lavinsky & irocks.com