The mineral group tantalite [(Fe, Mn)Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub>] is the primary source of the chemical element tantalum, a corrosion (heat and acid) resistant metal. It is chemically similar to columbite, and the two are often grouped together as a semi-singular mineral called coltan or "columbite-tantalite" in many mineral guides. However, tantalite has a much greater specific gravity than columbite (8.0+ compared to columbite's 5.2).

Tantalite is black to brown in both color and streak. Manganese-rich tantalites can be brown and translucent.

Occurrence

thumb|left|Manganotantalite from Alto do Giz, [[Rio Grande do Norte|RN, Brazil]]

Tantalite occurs in granitic pegmatites that are rich in rare-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%).

Applications

The tantalum metal extracted from tantalite is used in alloys for strength and higher melting points, in glass to increase the index of refraction, and in surgical steel, as it is non-reactive and non-irritating to body tissues. Much like glass, it is not suitable for use in hydrofluoric acid and strong hot alkali applications.

Sustainability

The mining of tantalite causes many environmental and social problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

See also

  • Coltan mining and ethics

References

  • Webmineral Tantalite-(Fe)
  • Webmineral Tantalite-(Mn)
  • Handbook of Mineralogy