Columbite-Tantalite (fine crystals) on Albite with Muscovite

Item Description

Let me say first that this specimen is in the series of Columbite-(Fe) and Tantalite-(Fe). Most often, when a species is referred to as simply Columbite it is in reference to Columbite-(Fe) (formerly Ferrocolumbite). I believe this piece is closer to Ferrocolumbite in its chemistry, and for a Columbite, it's one of the best I've seen from Afghanistan. The piece features a pair of converging forming a highly striking pseudo-twinned, X-shaped crystals aesthetically flaring out of a matrix composed of fairly thick, moderately lustrous, chalk-white Albite crystals and associated with a few Muscovite blades plus several gemmy Quartz crystals pointing downward. As I mentioned, I do not believe this crystal group is actually twinned, but it's still incredibly eye-catching! The X-group measures 1.1 x 1.0 cm and is superb quality showing bright, almost metallic luster and razor-sharp faces with no damage. There are a few contacted crystals on the piece, but your eye is immediately drawn to the X-shaped crystal group. For the visceral impact and overall quality, it is a great cabinet display piece of very high quality. This was the only piece from the lot that we purchased years ago that featured a completely undamaged pair of crystals on matrix.