General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Nb,Ta)C
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 147.18 gm)
Tantalum 59.01 % Ta
Niobium 32.83 % Nb
Carbon 8.16 % C
Empirical Formula:
Nb0.52Ta0.48C
Environment:
In platiinum placer concentrates. The niobium-dominant analogue of tantalcarbide.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA (Dana # Added)
Locality:
Nihnetagilsky, near Solovjeva mountain (formerly Aurorinsky mine) and Baranchinsky massif near the Actai River, Middle Urals, Russia.
Name Origin:
Named after its composition of Nb and C.
Physical Properties:
Color:
yellow or straw yellow.
Density:
10.25
Diaphaniety:
Opaque
Habits:
Inclusions - Generally found as inclusions in other minerals., ,
Hardness:
8 - Topaz
Luster:
Metallic
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