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Glite Dictionary
tantalite

tantalite

1 9.9
A dark mineral with black crystals that contains a metal used in electronic devices
  • noun
  • /ˈtæn.təˌlaɪt/
  • Specialized
: tantalita
  • Mining companies value deposits rich in tantalite for the extraction of tantalum.

Examples

  • The geologist discovered a large deposit of tantalite in the mountains.

  • Tantalite and columbite are often found together in igneous rocks.

  • The geologist identified the black crystals as tantalite in the sample.

  • Many tantalites are found alongside niobite in granite formations.

  • Tantalite is a crucial mineral for extracting tantalite, which is used in electronic components.

  • Geologists often find tantalite in granite formations associated with niobite.

  • The mining company specializes in the extraction of tantalite, which is vital for modern technology.

Compounds

columbite-tantalite
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A black mineral that provides metals used in electronic devices

Surface Forms

tantalite singular
tantalites plural

Morphology

tantalite = tantalum (transparent) = tantalum + ite

Formed by the element name 'tantalum' plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite', so a learner who knows 'tantalum' can infer it is a mineral containing that element.

Etymology

Tantalite comes from the metal tantalum, which was named after the Greek king Tantalus. Early chemists found the metal very hard to get out of its rock, like Tantalus who could not reach food or water, so tantalite is the mineral that contains tantalum.