Calciotantite is an exceptionally rare calcium tantalum oxide mineral that typically occurs as small, tabular crystals within highly fractionated granitic pegmatites. Collectors primarily find this species as micro-crystals associated with other rare tantalum-bearing minerals in complex lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite systems.
Is this calciotantite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch calciotantite with a known reference. Calciotantite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calciotantite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calciotantite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside calciotantite
Minerals reported to co-occur with calciotantite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaTa₄O₁₁
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 6.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ for rare micro specimens
Where rockhounds find calciotantite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanco Mine, Canada
- Svinninge, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where calciotantite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find calciotantite on the map
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