columbite
Definition
Noun: A black, heavy mineral that is the principal ore of the metallic elements niobium and tantalum. It is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Fe, Mn)(Nb, Ta)₂O₆.
Usage
"Columbite" is used specifically as a geological and mineralogical term. It refers to the mineral itself, which is mined and processed to extract niobium and tantalum metals. * Geologists identified the black mineral in the sample as columbite. * The region is known for its deposits of columbite and tin.
Advanced Usage
- Columbite-tantalite (Coltan): In commerce and geology, columbite is often grouped with the mineral tantalite. The mixed series is commonly referred to as "columbite-tantalite" or, more informally, "coltan," which is a major source of tantalum for electronics.
- The demand for coltan, a source of tantalum, has increased with the growth of the electronics industry.
Variants and Related Words
- Columbite-tantalite (n): The mineral series between pure columbite (FeNb₂O₆) and pure tantalite (FeTa₂O₆).
- Niobite (n): An older, less common synonym for columbite, emphasizing its role as a source of niobium.
Synonyms
- Niobite (mineralogical synonym)
Notes on Different Meanings
The word "columbite" has a single, specific meaning in mineralogy. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses. Its significance lies in its economic value as a source of critical metals.
Noun
-
a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum
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