Tantalowodginite is a rare member of the wodginite group characterized by its high tantalum content. It is primarily found as accessory minerals in complex granitic pegmatites, often appearing as dark, submetallic grains or small crystals embedded in feldspar or quartz matrices.
Is this tantalowodginite?
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 tantalowodginite with a known reference. Tantalowodginite 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. Tantalowodginite leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tantalowodginite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Tantalowodginite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalowodginite leaves brownish, Wodginite leaves yellowish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalowodginite leaves brownish, Tantalite leaves black to reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Tantalowodginite and submetallic to resinous on Tantalite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tantalowodginite leaves brownish, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
Often found alongside tantalowodginite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tantalowodginite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺Ta₂Ta₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Rare-element Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find tantalowodginite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanco Mine, Canada
- Wodgina, Australia
- Varuträsk, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in rare-element granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tantalowodginite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tantalowodginite on the map
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