Tantalite-(Mn) - image 1

Tantalite-(Mn)

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The sheer size of this Tantalite-(Mn) crystal is remarkable, but then look at its shape - it is so perfect too! This is perhaps not what you might expect from the famous gem-bearing Mawi Pegmatite in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, but occasionally Tantalite-(Mn) crystals are seen there. Some display the classic reddish-brown internal reflections, however, most are small. This crystal is exceptional, but not in terms of its internal colour. Relatively flat, it is tabular plate, but it is its perfection in shape which really sets it apart. It is mounted upright for display on a small acryllic block. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).

Product details

SpeciesTantalite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.8 x 5.8 x 3.4 cm
Added on05/31/2025
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$5,000.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

Learn more

Tantalite
Mineral guide
Learn about Tantalite
high-tantalum mineral (Fe/Mn) forming stout, black prismatic crystals in granitic pegmatites; rare display crystals on matrix with associations.
Tantalite
Regional guide
Tantalite from Mawi pegmatite
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Locality guide
Mawi pegmatite
A collector's guide to Mawi pegmatite, Afghanistan: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 269 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.