Tantalite & Columbite - Canadian Beryllium Mine, Quadeville area, Lyndoch Township, Brudenell-Lyndoch-and-Raglan, Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada

(Mn,Fe)(Ta,Nb)₂O₆         Fe²⁺Nb₂O₆ to Mn²⁺Nb₂O₆

Tantalite and columbite are tantalum and niobium-bearing minerals commonly found in pegmatites, and the Canadian Beryllium Mines near Quadeville, Ontario, are a notable locality for these species. These minerals often occur as dense, black to brownish crystals with a metallic to sub-metallic luster, embedded in the quartz and feldspar-rich matrix of the pegmatite dikes. Structurally similar, tantalite and columbite are part of the same mineral group, distinguished by their varying ratios of tantalum and niobium. The Quadeville area, known for its complex pegmatite formations, provides an ideal geological environment for these minerals to crystallize during the late stages of magma cooling.

Specimens from the Quadeville locality are prized for their association with rare minerals such as beryl, spodumene, and other pegmatite treasures. The presence of tantalite and columbite highlights the significant enrichment of rare elements in the pegmatites, making the region an important source for collectors and researchers alike. These minerals not only possess aesthetic appeal but also industrial significance, as tantalum and niobium are critical in the production of capacitors, alloys, and superconducting materials. The Quadeville mines, while primarily known for beryllium minerals, are a testament to the diversity and richness of mineralization in Ontario’s pegmatite belts.

Approx. specimen size: 80mm x 65mm x 35mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 150 cpm