$300Median
7Sold (12 mo)
$300Last sale
Columbite specimens for sale
13 for sale · $120–$7,500 USD
60 in the gallery
Columbite is a niobium-rich mineral with the formula Fe2+Nb2O6, typically forming elongated, prismatic crystals and brownish-black to steel-gray metallic luster. It often occurs in granular to massive aggregates within pegmatites and granitic rocks, and can display a submetallic to adamantine sheen on sharper faces. Associated minerals in pegmatites include tantalite and various spodumene-bearing assemblages, reflecting its geological environment.
- Formula
- Fe2+Nb2O6
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Oxide mineral; niobate group; Nb-oxide (IMA: Columbite)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Specific gravity
- 5.2–6.65
- Luster
- submetallic, resinous
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- black, brown, gray
- Streak
- black, brown, red
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- subconchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, granular, massive
- Classic / historic
Buy Columbite specimens
View all 13Where Columbite is found
Top localities
- Minas Gerais3 specimens
- Elizabeth R. Mine2 specimens
- Golconda pegmatite field2 specimens
- Ipê mine2 specimens
- Stewart Mine2 specimens
- Governador Valadares2 specimens
- Dara-e-Pech District2 specimens
- Pakistan1 specimen
- Antsirabe1 specimen
- Arondu1 specimen
About Columbite
Prominent specimens come from classic pegmatite deposits in the United States, notably in Alaska and Ontario-like contexts, as well as famous occurrences in Brazil and Madagascar. Lesser-known but scientifically valuable finds come from Afghanistan and Australia, contributing to the mineral’s diversity in habit and size. Collectors value well-formed crystals, durability, and the contrast between a dark body and bright luster, as well as the insight Columbite provides into niobium-bearing mineral systems and pegmatite genesis.
