The facts
What tantalite actually is
Mineralogically, tantalite is columbite-tantalite group — (Fe,Mn)Ta₂O₆, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ with Ta give black to red-brown; Mn-rich material is translucent red. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 2.19–2.46, and the specific gravity sits near 5.18–8.20; cleavage is distinct in one direction.
Where tantalite comes from
The recognised sources are Tabba Tabba, Pilbara, Western Australia, Muiâne pegmatite, Zambezia, Mozambique and Kenticha, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How tantalite is treated
Untreated. The principal tantalum ore and a conflict-mineral concern when mined as coltan in Central Africa; buyers of rough should check due-diligence documentation.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What tantalite is confused with
The usual confusions are Columbite, Manganotantalite, Cassiterite and Ilmenite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.19–2.46 and specific gravity 5.18–8.20 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What tantalite is used for
Tantalite is bought by mineral collecting, heavy industry and technical and precision components — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the tonne or by the piece.
Durability and care
Tantalite is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, with distinct in one direction cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What tantalite costs
Indicative pricing for tantalite is Ore priced per kg of Ta₂O₅; specimen crystals 30–400 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is tantalite treated, and how?
Untreated. The principal tantalum ore and a conflict-mineral concern when mined as coltan in Central Africa; buyers of rough should check due-diligence documentation.
Where does tantalite come from?
Tabba Tabba, Pilbara, Western Australia, Muiâne pegmatite, Zambezia, Mozambique and Kenticha, Oromia, Ethiopia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is tantalite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does tantalite cost?
Indicatively Ore priced per kg of Ta₂O₅; specimen crystals 30–400 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is tantalite confused with?
Most often Columbite, Manganotantalite, Cassiterite and Ilmenite. A refractive index of 2.19–2.46 and a specific gravity near 5.18–8.20 separate it quickly.
What is tantalite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and technical and precision components. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for tantalite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about tantalite