Tantalite natural mineral from ricksburg karibib district Erongo region Namibia
Size-
3cm x 3cm x 1.7cm
Weight-
51g
You will receive the item in the photo
Tantalite is a heavy,dark coloured mineral known primarily as the chief source of the rare industrial metal tantalum.
Crystal system- Orthorhombic. It typically forms short,complex prismatic or blocky crystals,as well as massive or granular aggregates.
Mineral class-Oxides and hydroxides. It forms a continuous mineral solid solution series with continuous; when the mineral is rich in tantalum it is classified as tantalite.
Rock formation- it primarily forms in igneous environments,specifically within highly fractionated granitic pegmatites rich in lithium,phosphorus and rear earth elements. Because it is highly resistant to weathering and very dense,it also commonly accumulates in secondary alluvial placer deposits ( sedimentary river gravels) downstream from these source rocks.
Hardness- 6-6.5 on the MOHs scale
