Columbite-(Fe) is a black, heavy oxide mineral often found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic tabular crystal habits and heavy weight, which help distinguish it from visually similar minerals like tantalite and ilmenite.
Is this columbite-(fe)?
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 columbite-(fe) with a known reference. Columbite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Columbite-(Fe) leaves a dark red to black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Columbite-(Fe) typically shows a submetallic to metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular, prismatic, or blocky crystals often with complex striations.
Often confused with
Columbite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Columbite-(Fe) leaves dark red to black, Tantalite leaves black to reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic to metallic on Columbite-(Fe) and submetallic to resinous on Tantalite.
How to tell apart: Columbite-(Fe) is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 4-4.5); streak differs — Columbite-(Fe) leaves dark red to black, Wolframite leaves dark brown to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Columbite-(Fe) leaves dark red to black, Manaccanite leaves black; luster reads submetallic to metallic on Columbite-(Fe) and submetallic on Manaccanite.
Often found alongside columbite-(fe)
Minerals reported to co-occur with columbite-(fe). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeNb₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 5.2-6.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark Red to Black
- Luster
- Submetallic to Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular, Prismatic, Or Blocky Crystals Often with Complex Striations
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Ore of Niobium, Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $10-150 depending on specimen size and crystal definition
Where rockhounds find columbite-(fe)
Classic worldwide localities
- Norway
- Brazil
- Nigeria
- Canada
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where columbite-(fe) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular, prismatic, or blocky crystals often with complex striations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify columbite-(fe)?+
Where is columbite-(fe) found?+
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Is columbite-(fe) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like columbite-(fe)?+
What minerals are found with columbite-(fe)?+
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Find columbite-(fe) on the map
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