Columbite-(Mn) (old - RARE) Belsky Coll.

Item Description

This mine was the world's major supplier of tantalite during the twentieth century until its depletion by 1994 (MINDAT). Specimens of any variety are RARE from this pegmatite. A blocky, sharp, doubly terminated, brown crystal with moderate luster has only a contacted face and slight brusing on one corner. A textbook, very rare and outstanding crystal from this well-known Australian locale from the Howard Belsky Collection. The 1.6 cm label with 4 lines of superb printing is from a collection, that was auctioned in 1908! $7.50 was EXPENSIVE in 1908! Hefty tantalum ore for its size at 94 grams. Valued at $1200.