Columbite-(Fe)

Item Description

A big, thick, tabular Columbite-(Fe) crystal from the Golconda pegmatite field just outside of the city of Governador Valadares. This big Columbite measures just over three inches across, one and a quarter inches thick at the top tapering to about three-quarters of an inch at the bottom. There are geometric growth forms all over the front and back of the crystal, more so in the front. There are vertical, fine parallel striations at the top in the front followed by broad, V-shaped ones in the center and others resembling fine ripple marks at the bottom...very geometric and eye-catching! There is a little silvery-tan Muscovite present on the left side of the crystal. The markings on the backside aren't so dramatic. This hefty, thick, tabular crystal has a mass of 403 grams! This is a significant example of the species from a significant locality, and should be valued $2500-5000.