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Ferrocolumbite, also called niobite, niobite-tantalite, columbate and columbite [(Fe, Mn)(Nb, Ta)2O6] is a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum. It has a submetallic luster and a high specific gravity and is a niobate of iron and manganese, containing tantalate of iron. This mineral was first found at Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut in New England, USA. It forms a series with the tantalum-dominant analogue Ferrotantalite and one with the manganese-dominant analogue Manganocolumbite.
Ferrocolumbite is a natural oxide of niobium, tantalum, ferrous iron, and manganese. Some tin and tungsten may be present in the mineral. Used for its heat resistancy.
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