Wodginite

Wodginite is a rare oxide mineral that contains tantalum and niobium as its defining constituents, with variable amounts of iron, manganese, titanium and other elements. It is considered part of the complex Nb–Ta oxide minerals, typically forming in granitic pegmatites and other highly differentiated rocks where tantalum and niobium are enriched. Wodginite is named after the Wodgina pegmatite in Western Australia, the locality after which the mineral was first described.

Crystallography and composition are variable; no single fixed formula defines wodginite. It occurs in small, well-formed crystals as well as in massive aggregates. The mineral shows a high relief and a dull to resinous to submetallic luster. It is typically brown to black in color, and has a relatively high hardness on the Mohs scale, around 6. It possesses a high specific gravity due to its heavy-element content, commonly exceeding 5.5 g/cm3.

Relationship and occurrence: Wodginite occurs with other Nb–Ta oxides such as tantalite, ferrotantalite, and microlite, and is commonly associated with mica, quartz and feldspar in pegmatites. It is of interest to researchers studying the Nb–Ta oxide system and the mineralogy of tantalum- and niobium-rich deposits.

Significance: While wodginite is not a major ore in most districts, it can contribute to the Nb and Ta inventory of a deposit. Its study helps clarify the textural and compositional relationships among Nb–Ta oxide minerals and informs exploration and processing considerations in Nb–Ta-rich pegmatites.