Columbite

Radioactive

Yttrocolumbite-(Y)-796200

Ferrocolumbite-pb50a

Face-centered orthorhombic

Columbite is a black mineral group that is an ore of niobium and tantalum. It has a submetallic luster and a high specific gravity. Columbite forms a series with the mineral tantalite and is the niobium-rich end member of the columbite-tantalite series. The mineral was first discovered in New England in the United States.

Properties

Columbite has a chemical formula of (Fe, Mn)(Nb, Ta)2O6. It is typically found in pegmatites and other granitic rocks. The mineral is characterized by its high density and submetallic luster. It is often associated with other minerals such as cassiterite, wolframite, and microlite.

Occurrence

Columbite is found in various locations around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States. It is often mined as a byproduct of tantalum and tin extraction.

Uses

The primary use of columbite is as an ore of niobium, which is used in the production of high-strength, low-alloy steel and superalloys for the aerospace industry. Niobium is also used in electronics, optics, and medical devices. Tantalum, which is often found in columbite, is used in the manufacture of capacitors and high-power resistors in electronic equipment.

Related Minerals

Columbite is closely related to tantalite, with which it forms a solid solution series. Other related minerals include ferrocolumbite, manganocolumbite, and stibiocolumbite.

See Also

• Niobium
• Tantalum
• Pegmatite
• Cassiterite
• Wolframite
• Microlite