Tantalite-(Fe) is a heavy, dark-colored mineral occurring primarily in rare-element granitic pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic submetallic luster and distinct orthorhombic prismatic habits, often embedded within coarse-grained feldspar or quartz matrices.
Is this tantalite-(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 tantalite-(fe) with a known reference. Tantalite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tantalite-(Fe) leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tantalite-(Fe) typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often as granular or massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Tantalite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalite-(Fe) leaves black, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Tantalite-(Fe) is noticeably harder (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 4-4.5); streak differs — Tantalite-(Fe) leaves black, Wolframite leaves dark brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Tantalite-(Fe) and submetallic to metallic on Wolframite.
Often found alongside tantalite-(fe)
Minerals reported to co-occur with tantalite-(fe). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeTa₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 7.3-8.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Granular or Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Ore of Tantalum, Collector Specimen
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200-800 cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find tantalite-(fe)
Classic worldwide localities
- Greenbushes (Australia)
- Tanco Mine (Canada)
- Alto Ligonha (Mozambique)
- Soktuy (Russia)
- Pilbara Region (Australia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tantalite-(fe) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often as granular or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tantalite-(fe)?+
Where is tantalite-(fe) found?+
How much is tantalite-(fe) worth?+
What rocks look like tantalite-(fe)?+
What minerals are found with tantalite-(fe)?+
What kind of rock does tantalite-(fe) form in?+
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Find tantalite-(fe) on the map
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