Columbite series
Introduction: Columbite is an assortment of minerals that can only be differentiated by a number of technical processes. Ferrocolumbite is the most common, followed by magnocolumbite (manganese-rich), and magnocolumbite (magnesium-rich). It is named after the element columbium (now niobium), an original name for America, referring to the explorer Christopher Columbus.
Distribution: Karibib-Usakos pegmatites and the Strathmore tin pegmatites and Sandamap.
Composition: Niobate
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Lustre: Metallic to adamantine
Streak: Brown
Hardness: 4.4-5
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