Manganocolumbite
(Mn,Fe⁺⁺)(Nb,Ta)₂O₆

     Manganocolumbite, a member of the columbite family, has been recently identified from Mont Saint-Hilaire.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually brownish black or black.
Luster is sub-metallic.
Diaphaneity is opaque.
Crystal System is orthorhombic; Pcan.
Crystal Habits include (??).
Cleavage (??).
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is approximately 6.
Specific Gravity is ~ 5.3 g/cm³.
Streak is brownish-black.
Associated Minerals include (??).
Distinguishing Features: (??).
Origin: Named in 1892 to reflect its composition: the manganese end -
   member of the series with ferrotantalite and manganocolumbite.

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:355-356 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

Legend