Manganotantalite

Formula:  MnTa2O6

Origin of name:  From manganese and ferrotantalite

 

Crystal system:  Orthorhombic

Crystal class:  2/m 2/m 2/m

Twinning:  on {021} or {023}, occasional trillings

Unit cell: a = 5.722 Å, b = 14.47 Å, c = 5.097Å

 

Colour:  Brownish black with reddish brown or red internal reflections

Diaphaneity: 

Luster:  Vitreous to resinous

Habit:  Crystals short prismatic, equant or thick tabular; massive

Hardness:  6 to 6.5

Specific gravity:  8.003

Cleavage:  2 {010} distinct, {100} indistinct

Tenacity:  Subconchoidal to uneven; brittle

Streak:  Dark red

 

Synonyms/varieties:  Alvarolite

 

Comments:  Dimorphous with manganotapiolite; series with manganocolumbite and ferrotantalite

 

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