Cesplumtantite is a very rare cesium-rich tantalum mineral found in highly evolved granite pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, colorless to pale yellow tabular crystals embedded within or associated with other pegmatite minerals.
Is this cesplumtantite?
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 cesplumtantite with a known reference. Cesplumtantite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cesplumtantite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cesplumtantite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside cesplumtantite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cesplumtantite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cs,Na)₂(Ta,Nb,Ti)₂(O,OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 6.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find cesplumtantite
Classic worldwide localities
- Koktokay pegmatite, Altay Mountains, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where cesplumtantite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, quartz, muscovite 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 cesplumtantite on the map
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