Columbite ex. Whitmore Coll.

Item Description

An impressive, large, blocky, partially euhedral columbite (probably ferrocolumbite) crystal from Brazil. The termination and several of the prism faces are very sharp on this lustrous black crystal. Ex Robert Whitmore Collection. The faded old label says Mato Grosso State, but is most likely from Minas Gerais. The true locality was undoubtably hidden at the time. It probably dates to the 1950s or 60s, or even earlier. Hefty at 834 grams or 1.8 pounds. Heavy iron and niobium.