Iron-manganese niobate and the primary ore of niobium. Forms a series with tantalite coltan when mixed . Color: Black to brownish-black. Luster: Submetallic to vitreous. Streak: Dark red to black. Cleavage: Good in one direction. Hardness: 6. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: Fe,Mn Nb₂O₆. Specific gravity: 5.2-8.0. Formation: Forms in granitic pegmatites enriched in rare metals like niobium, tantalum, and lithium. Common geological settings: Brazil, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia; found in granitic pegmatites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Wolframite, Cassiterite, Rutile.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:43.268387+00:00
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IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Iron-manganese niobate and the primary ore of niobium. Forms a series with tantalite coltan when mixed .
How can you identify Columbite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Black to brownish-black; lustre: Submetallic to vitreous; streak: Dark red to black; Mohs hardness: 6; cleavage: Good in one direction; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Columbite form?
Forms in granitic pegmatites enriched in rare metals like niobium, tantalum, and lithium.
Where is Columbite commonly found?
Brazil, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia; found in granitic pegmatites.
What is Columbite commonly confused with?
Columbite may be confused with Wolframite, Cassiterite, Rutile. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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