Columbite (Mn)

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A rare specimen of Columbite-(Mn) displaying an excellent bladed crystal in parallel with the extensive development of hopper habit on the broad crystal faces. The Columbite crystals measure to a little over 3 cm and have a slight yellow patina. Columbite is a niobium ore and form the continuous solid solution series Columbite-(Fe) - Columbite-(Mn). Mid-way members are termed simply Columbite. Columbite is very seldom seen from the Elizabeth R mine pegmatite, Pala, California, USA. The mine name suggests it was named for the late Queen Elizabeth II, as the Royal signature was "Elizabeth R" (R for Regina). This is not the case. It was first named in 1907 by Frank A. Salmons the Hazel W mine in honour of his wife. The mine closed in the 1950s and then reopened in 1974 under the ownership of Roland Reed. Keeping with the tradition of this mine, he renamed it the Elizabeth R mine in honour of his wife.