Manganotantalite makes a spectacular red brown gem that is a very rare collector’s item. Transparent material is light enough in color to allow lots of light to enter and leave a cut gem, and properly cut stones are lively and brilliant. Cutting is difficult because of the cleavage.
Cuttable crystals seldom reach 1 inch in size, and gems over 10 carats are rarities. However, the material is so dense that even a small stone is relatively heavy. Devonian Group (Calgary, Alberta, Canada): 3.05 (red-brown, Brazil).
Alta Ligonha, Mozambique: gem quality crystals. A150 from the Morrua Mine, Zambesia.
Comments: Manganotantalite makes a spectacular red brown gem that is a very rare collector’s item. Transparent material is light enough in color to allow lots of light to enter and leave a cut gem, and properly cut stones are lively and brilliant. Cutting is difficult because of the cleavage.
Name: After the composition, a manganiferous tantalite.
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