Mangantantalite

Mangantantalite is a mineral belonging to the tantalite-columbite group. It is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Mn,Fe)(Ta,Nb)2O6. As its name suggests, mangantantalite is a manganese-rich end-member of the mangano-tantalite series, which is part of the broader tantalate series where tantalum is dominant over niobium. Conversely, when niobium is dominant, the mineral is referred to as mangano-columbite. The presence of both manganese and iron, as well as tantalum and niobium, means mangantantalite can have a variable composition, often represented by a solid solution series.

This mineral typically occurs in granitic pegmatites and associated placer deposits. It is found in association with other tantalum and niobium minerals, as well as micas, feldspars, and quartz. Mangantantalite is a dense, opaque mineral, often exhibiting a metallic to submetallic luster. Its color can range from black to brownish-black and dark reddish-brown. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system, forming prismatic or tabular crystals. Due to its tantalum content, mangantantalite, like other tantalite-group minerals, is a valuable source of tantalum, which is used in the production of electronics, alloys, and other industrial applications. Exploration for mangantantalite is often linked to the search for rare earth elements and other critical minerals.