Tantalowodginite is a rare member of the wodginite group characterized by its high tantalum content. It is primarily found as accessory minerals in complex granitic pegmatites, often appearing as dark, submetallic grains or small crystals embedded in feldspar or quartz matrices.
Is this tantalowodginite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch tantalowodginite with a known reference. Tantalowodginite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tantalowodginite leaves a yellowish tan streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tantalowodginite typically shows a vitreous to adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange-red, deep red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Tantalowodginite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tantalowodginite leaves yellowish tan, Wodginite leaves yellowish brown; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Tantalowodginite and submetallic on Wodginite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tantalowodginite leaves yellowish tan, Tantalite leaves black to reddish-brown; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Tantalowodginite and submetallic to resinous on Tantalite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tantalowodginite leaves yellowish tan, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Tantalowodginite and submetallic on Columbium Ore.
Often found alongside tantalowodginite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tantalowodginite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺Ta₂Ta₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish Tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to Adamantine
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Rare-element Granitic Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find tantalowodginite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanco Mine, Canada
- Wodgina, Australia
- Varuträsk, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in rare-element granitic pegmatites country, the host setting where tantalowodginite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tantalowodginite?+
Where is tantalowodginite found?+
What rocks look like tantalowodginite?+
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Find tantalowodginite on the map
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