Tantalite-(Fe)
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Tantalite-(Fe)
Formula:
Fe2+Ta2O6
Colour:
Iron-black
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Greasy, Metallic, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
6 - 6½
Specific Gravity:
6.65 - 7.95
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
From ferrous iron content and the Greek mythological Tantalus, for the difficulty of dissolving the mineral. The original material with Fe>Mn was called Tantalite, subsequent name changes recognized the compositional variability of the series.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
Tantalite-(Fe)-Tantalite-(Mn) Series and Columbite-(Fe)-Tantalite-(Fe) Series.
Tantalite-(Fe) is fairly rare and many specimens are actually misidentified Tapiolite-(Fe).
Formerly known as ferrotantalite.
Tantalite-(Fe) is fairly rare and many specimens are actually misidentified Tapiolite-(Fe).
Formerly known as ferrotantalite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1530
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1530:7
Similar Names
| Cantalite | A variety of | |
| Taltalite | A synonym of Tourmaline | |
| Tantalite | A discredited species name | (Mn,Fe)(Ta,Nb)2O6 |
| Tantalite (of Arppe) | A synonym of 'Tapiolite' | |
| Tantalite-(Fe)-Tantalite-(Mn) Series | A solid-solution series between two end-member minerals | |
| Tantalite-(Mg) | A valid IMA mineral species | (Mg,Fe2+)(Ta,Nb)2O6 |
| Tantalite-(Mn) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Mn2+Ta2O6 |
| Tautalite | A synonym of Allanite Group |
IMA Classification of Tantalite-(Fe)
Approved
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
Fe2+Ta5+2O6
First published:
2008
Approval history:
Renamed by IMA 2007 by special procedure.
Classification of Tantalite-(Fe)
4.DB.35
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
B : With medium-sized cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
B : With medium-sized cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
8.3.2.1
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
18.1.43
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
1 : Niobates and tantalates containing neither rare earths nor U
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
1 : Niobates and tantalates containing neither rare earths nor U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ttl-Fe | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Tnt | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Tantalite-(Fe)
Sub-Adamantine, Greasy, Metallic, Sub-Metallic
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Iron-black
Comment:
Reddish brown in transmitted light.
Streak:
Black, dark reddish-brown.
Hardness:
6 - 6½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Distinct on {100}, less distinct on {010}
Distinct on {100}, less distinct on {010}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Splintery, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
6.65 - 7.95 g/cm3 (Measured)
Comment:
Density similar to tapiolite series.
Optical Data of Tantalite-(Fe)
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 2.26 nβ = 2.3 - 2.4 nγ = 2.43
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.170
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (84°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (84°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
Relatively strong, r < v.
Optical Extinction:
X = b; Y = a; Z = c.
Colour in reflected light:
Grey
Internal Reflections:
Red to reddish brown.
Comments:
Absorption: Strong. Z > X.
Chemistry of Tantalite-(Fe)
Mindat Formula:
Fe2+Ta2O6
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| Nb2O5 | 18.66 % |
| Ta2O5 | 61.79 % |
| FeO | 9.6 % |
| MnO | 6.04 % |
| TiO2 | 0.81 % |
| UO2 | 0.04 % |
| Total: | 96.94 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marlagalla-Allapatna, Mandya District, Karnataka, India | 16 EMPA analyses from core to rim in this sample show a very variable composition with both Ta,Nb, Fe and Mn dominant zones. The core and an intermediate zone show a distinct tantalite-(Fe) composition. |
Crystallography of Tantalite-(Fe)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pbcn
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.73 Å, b = 14.24 Å, c = 5.08 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.402 : 1 : 0.357
Unit Cell V:
414.50 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Exsolution intergrowths with ferrotapiolite.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites |
Geological Setting:
As a very accessory mineral in granitic pegmatites. Most tantalites with this composition are actually tapiolite structure.
Type Occurrence of Tantalite-(Fe)
Synonyms of Tantalite-(Fe)
Other Language Names for Tantalite-(Fe)
Dutch:Tantaliet-(Fe)
German:Tantalit-(Fe)
Ferrotantalit
Ferrotantalit
Simplified Chinese:钽铁矿
Spanish:Ferrotantalita
Traditional Chinese:鉭鐵礦
Relationship of Tantalite-(Fe) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Columbite Group:
| Columbite-(Fe) | Fe2+Nb2O6 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbcn |
| Columbite-(Mg) | (Mg,Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6 | Orth. |
| Columbite-(Mn) | Mn2+Nb2O6 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbcn |
| Qitianlingite | (Fe,Mn)2(Nb,Ta)2WO10 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Tantalite-(Mg) | (Mg,Fe2+)(Ta,Nb)2O6 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbcn |
| Tantalite-(Mn) | Mn2+Ta2O6 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbcn |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 10 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 10 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 9 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Cassiterite | SnO2 |
| 9 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with 'Cleavelandite' | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 7 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Stibiotantalite | Sb3+TaO4 |
| 4 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Cookeite | (LiAl4◻)[AlSi3O10](OH)8 |
| 2 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Monazite-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) |
| 2 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Native Gold | Au |
| 2 photos of Tantalite-(Fe) associated with Zircon | Zr(SiO4) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.DB. | Tianhongqiite | CrTiO3(OH) |
| 4.DB. | Nioboheftetjernite | ScNbO4 |
| 4.DB. | Huangshanite | Fe3+TaO4 |
| 4.DB. | Nioboixiolite-(Mn2+) | (Nb0.67Mn2+0.33)O2 |
| 4.DB. | Shakhdaraite-(Y) | ScYNb2O8 |
| 4.DB.05 | Varlamoffite | Sn1-xFexO2-x(OH) |
| 4.DB.05 | Argutite | GeO2 |
| 4.DB.05 | Cassiterite | SnO2 |
| 4.DB.05 | Rutile | TiO2 |
| 4.DB.05 | Plattnerite | PbO2 |
| 4.DB.05 | Tripuhyite | Fe3+Sb5+O4 |
| 4.DB.05 | Tugarinovite | MoO2 |
| 4.DB.05 | Pyrolusite | Mn4+O2 |
| 4.DB.10 | Byströmite | MgSb2O6 |
| 4.DB.10 | Ordoñezite | ZnSb2O6 |
| 4.DB.10 | Tredouxite | NiSb2O6 |
| 4.DB.10 | Tapiolite-(Mn) | Mn2+Ta2O6 |
| 4.DB.10 | Tapiolite-(Fe) | Fe2+Ta2O6 |
| 4.DB.15a | Paramontroseite | V4+O2 |
| 4.DB.15a | Ramsdellite | Mn4+O2 |
| 4.DB.15b | Akhtenskite | ε-Mn4+O2 |
| 4.DB.15c | Nsutite | (Mn4+,Mn2+)(O,OH)2 |
| 4.DB.20 | Scrutinyite | α-PbO2 |
| 4.DB.20 | Nioboixiolite-([]) | (Nb0.8◻0.2)4+O2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Ishikawaite | U4+Fe2+Nb2O8 |
| 4.DB.25 | Yttrocolumbite-(Y) | Y(U4+,Fe2+)Nb2O8 |
| 4.DB.25 | Calciosamarskite | (Ca,U4+)Fe3+(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O8 |
| 4.DB.25 | Samarskite-(Yb) | YbFe3+(Nb,Ta)2O8 |
| 4.DB.25 | Ixiolite-(Sc) | (Ta0.5Sc0.5)O2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Ixiolite-(Fe2+) | (Ta0.67Fe2+0.33)O2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Ixiolite-(Mn2+) | (Ta0.67Mn2+0.33)O2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Nioboixiolite-(Fe2+) | (Nb0.67Fe2+0.33)O2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Srilankite | TiO2 |
| 4.DB.25 | Samarskite-(Y) | YFe3+Nb2O8 |
| 4.DB.25 | Nioboixiolite-(Fe3+) | (Nb0.5Fe3+0.5)O2 |
| 4.DB.30 va | Wolframite Group | |
| 4.DB.30 | Rossovskyite | (Fe3+,Ta)(Nb,Ti)O4 |
| 4.DB.30 | Huanzalaite | MgWO4 |
| 4.DB.30 | Heftetjernite | ScTaO4 |
| 4.DB.30 | Hübnerite | MnWO4 |
| 4.DB.30 | Sanmartinite | (Zn,Fe)WO4 |
| 4.DB.30 | Ferberite | FeWO4 |
| 4.DB.30 | 'Krasnoselskite' | CoWO4 |
| 4.DB.35 | Qitianlingite | (Fe,Mn)2(Nb,Ta)2WO10 |
| 4.DB.35 | Tantalaeschynite-(Ce) | Ce(TiTa)O6 |
| 4.DB.35 | Tantalite-(Mg) | (Mg,Fe2+)(Ta,Nb)2O6 |
| 4.DB.35 | Columbite-(Mn) | Mn2+Nb2O6 |
| 4.DB.35 | Tantalite-(Mn) | Mn2+Ta2O6 |
| 4.DB.35 | Columbite-(Fe) | Fe2+Nb2O6 |
| 4.DB.35 | Columbite-(Mg) | (Mg,Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6 |
| 4.DB.40 | Ferrotitanowodginite | Fe2+TiTa2O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | 'Wolframowodginite' | Mn(Mn,Sn,Fe,Ta)(W,Ta,Nb)2O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Lithiotantite | LiTa3O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Lithiowodginite | LiTa3O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Titanowodginite | Mn2+TiTa2O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Tantalowodginite | (Mn2+0.5◻0.5)TaTa2O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Wodginite | Mn2+Sn4+Ta2O8 |
| 4.DB.40 | Ferrowodginite | Fe2+Sn4+Ta2O8 |
| 4.DB.45 | Tivanite | V3+TiO3(OH) |
| 4.DB.50 | Carmichaelite | (Ti,Cr,Fe)[O2-x(OH)x] |
| 4.DB.55 | Alumotantite | AlTaO4 |
| 4.DB.60 | Biehlite | ((Sb,As)O)2[MoO4] |
Other Information
Magnetism:
Paramagnetic
Thermal Behaviour:
Before the blowpipe, not altered.
Notes:
Not affected by acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Tantalite-(Fe)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1530.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Tantalite-(Fe)
Reference List:
Localities for Tantalite-(Fe)
Showing 137 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina | |
| Galliski et al. (2011) |
| Galliski et al. (2015) |
Australia | |
| Costas Constantinides collection |
| PA Wulser - unpublished data |
| minedex |
| Marshall et al. (2016) |
| Marshall et al. (2016) | |
| minedex |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
| minedex |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) | |
Austria | |
| Walter (1998) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Boehringer (2026) |
Brazil | |
| Richard Dale Collection |
| Collection of Michael G. Shaw |
| Josef Vajdak (Peque Rare Minerals) |
| Dias et al. (2015) +1 other reference |
| Beurlen et al. (2008) |
| Beurlen et al. (2008) |
Canada | |
| Anderson et al. (2013) |
| P.B. Tomascak et al. (1994) |
| Breaks |
| ontariominerals.com +2 other references |
| Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. | |
China | |
| Can Rao et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| Xiaojun Yuan et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Weizheng Hu et al. (2005) |
| Zhu et al. (2024) |
| Sun et al. (2023) |
| Feng et al. (2024) |
| Chenghua Zhang and Guodong Ji (1983) |
| Dong Peng et al. (2005) |
| Feng et al. (2019) |
| Feng et al. (2019) |
| Denghong Wang et al. (2003) |
| Gao et al. (2026) |
Czech Republic | |
| Novák (2003) |
| Novák |
| Pavlíček V. et al.: Pegmatit ... |
DR Congo | |
| Melcher et al. (2015) |
| |
| Melcher et al. (2015) |
Finland | |
| Huber et al. (2023) |
| Szentpéteri et al. (2024) |
| Tuisku (2010) |
| Lahti (2000) |
| Lahti (2000) | |
| Lahti (2000) | |
| Lahti (2000) | |
| |
| Niskanen (2014) |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
France | |
| François Périnet collection |
Germany | |
| Oberthür et al. (2016) |
| Witzke et al. (2008) |
Hungary | |
| Gál P. (2014) |
India | |
| Sarbajna et al. (2000) |
Italy | |
| VIGNOLA et al. (2007) |
| Vignola et al. (2011) | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Mauro Savia collection | |
Ivory Coast | |
| Allou et al. (2005) |
| Allou (2006) | |
| Assaoulé Benjamin Allou (2005) +1 other reference | |
Japan | |
| ... |
| Matsubara et al. (2006) |
Kazakhstan | |
| |
Madagascar | |
Mozambique | |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
| Simon Philippo Collection |
Myanmar | |
| Hong Wang et al. (2013) |
Namibia | |
| Cairncross et al. (2006) |
| Cairncross et al. (2006) |
| Cairncross et al. (2006) | |
| Cairncross et al. (2006) |
| Cairncross et al. (2006) |
Nigeria | |
| Rotimi et al. (2012) |
Norway | |
| Hamza Sito |
| Neumann (1985) +1 other reference | |
| Bjørlykke (1935) +1 other reference |
| Hamza Ilhan Sito Collection | |
| Selbekk et al. (2008) |
| Raade et al. (2000) |
Poland | |
| PIECZKA et al. 2010: Nb-Ta minerals in ... |
| Pieczka et al. (2012) | |
Portugal | |
| Dias et al. (2009) |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2009 |
| Huber et al. (2023) |
| Zozulya et al. (2024) |
| webcenter.ru (2002) |
| Zap. Vseross. Mineral. Obshch. (2) +2 other references |
Rwanda | |
| Pohl et al. (2013) |
| Bertossa (1968) +1 other reference |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Chudík et al. (2011) |
| Uher et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Uher et al. (n.d.) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Uher (2008) |
| Uher P. et al. (2020) |
| Uher et al. (Považský Inovec) |
| Uher P. +1 other reference | |
South Korea | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2009) |
| Losantos et al. (2025) |
| Guldris Leon +2 other references |
| Roza Llera +3 other references |
| Calvo Rebollar (2009) |
Ukraine | |
| Kurylo et al. (2022) |
USA | |
| - (2008) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Fred Davis collection |
| Moritz (n.d.) |
| XRD by Jim Wilson of Weber State |
| Wise et al. (2012) |
| Vandall King |
| Travis Olds collection |
| Buchholz et al. (2014) | |
| Rocks & Min. 80:256 (2005) |
| Thompson et al. (2022) |
| Ex. Forrest Cureton |
| www.excaliburmineral.com Smithsonian ... |
| MinMax Mineral Information System |
| Miller |
| Danas System of Mineralogy 7th ed |
| Černý et al. (1992) +1 other reference |
| Kearns et al. (2016) |
| www.uwrf.edu/~wc01 |
Zimbabwe | |
| Cairncross (2004) |
| Wolfgang Hampel |
The Moon | |
| Mokhov et al. (2018) |
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Pomarolli farm, Linópolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil