Bismutotantalite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Extremely rare as a cut gem, even in very complete collections. Many of the minerals in the tantalite group have been faceted; bismutotantalite is perhaps the rarest of them all. The color is attractive, but low hardness and good cleavage make use in jewelry unadvisable.
Extremely rare as a cut gem, even in very complete collections. Many of the minerals in the tantalite group have been faceted; bismutotantalite is perhaps the rarest of them all. The color is attractive, but low hardness and good cleavage make use in jewelry unadvisable.
Start an IGS Membership today
for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Bismutotantalite Value
STREAK: Yellow-brown to black
OPTICS: α = 2.388; β = 2.403; γ = 2.428
Biaxial (+), 2V = 80°
OCCURRENCE: Pegmatites.
Gamba Hill, Uganda; Acari, Brazil.
COMMENTS: Extremely rare as a cut gem, even in very complete collections. Many of the minerals in the tantalite group have been faceted; bismutotantalite is perhaps the rarest of them all. The color is attractive, but low hardness and good cleavage make use in jewelry unadvisable.
NAME: On account of the composition.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com
Related Articles
Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Latest Articles
Quartz Toxicity: Understanding the Risks for Jewelers and Wearers
Synthetic Amethyst: What is it and How is it Made?
Hambergite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Pearl Simulants: How to Spot Faux Pearls
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!