columbite-tantalite
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A valuable black mineral that is a solid solution series between columbite (iron, manganese niobate) and tantalite (iron, manganese tantalate). It is the primary ore for the metals niobium (columbium) and tantalum.
Usage
The term "columbite-tantalite" refers specifically to the mineral itself, which is mined and then processed to extract its constituent metals. * The region is rich in deposits of columbite-tantalite. * Geologists identified the black sand as columbite-tantalite.
Advanced Usage
- The mineral is almost universally known by its portmanteau name coltan, especially in industrial, geopolitical, and economic contexts.
- It is often discussed concerning "conflict minerals," as its mining in certain regions has been linked to armed conflict and human rights abuses.
Variants and Related Words
- Coltan (n): The common industrial and commercial name for columbite-tantalite ore.
- The price of coltan fluctuates on the global market.
- Tantalite (n): The tantalum-rich end member of the columbite-tantalite series.
- Columbite (n): The niobium-rich end member of the columbite-tantalite series.
Synonyms
- Coltan (This is the typical synonym in common usage, not a scientific one).
Notes on Different Meanings
The term has one primary, specific meaning as a mineral. Its significance extends into fields like: * Economics/Technology: As a critical raw material for electronics. * Geopolitics: As a so-called "conflict mineral."
Related Phrases/Contexts
- Conflict mineral: A term often associated with columbite-tantalite (coltan) when sourced from regions experiencing armed conflict.
- Companies are increasingly required to audit their supply chains for conflict minerals like coltan.
- Tantalum capacitor: A key electronic component made from tantalum extracted from columbite-tantalite.
- The stability of tantalum capacitors makes them essential for mobile phones.
Noun
- a valuable black mineral combining niobite and tantalite; used in cell phones and computer chips