Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicuncommonOxides
Columbite
(Fe,Mn)Nb2O6
The image displays a single, well-formed, tabular black crystal of columbite, exhibiting a distinct submetallic luster.
Columbite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
dark red to blackCleavage
good on {100}Fracture
subconchoidalSpecific Gravity
5.2Colors
black, brownish-blackTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Middlesex County, Connecticut, USAMineral Group
OxidesUses
ore of niobium, collectorAssociated Minerals
quartz, feldspar, mica, beryl, tourmaline, tantaliteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Columbite typically forms in granite pegmatites, often associated with other rare-element minerals, and can also be found in placer deposits due to its high specific gravity.
