Columbite-(Fe) - Petaca Mining District, New Mexico, USA

Columbite-(Fe) from Petaca represents an iron-dominant member of the columbite group, with the general formula (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)₂O₆. These specimens typically occur as black, striated prismatic crystals or massive aggregates within granitic pegmatites. The species is an important ore of niobium and is frequently associated with other Nb-Ta minerals in highly fractionated pegmatitic environments.

Petaca is a classic American locality for columbite-group minerals, and material from this district carries both historical and mineralogical value. With its high specific gravity, well-defined crystal habit (when present), and significance within pegmatite geochemistry, Columbite-(Fe) from this locality makes a strong addition to systematic and economic mineral collections alike.

Approx. specimen size: 50mm x 30mm x 18mm

Approx. specimen weight: 63.45 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 2200 CPM