columbite

[ kuh-luhm-bahyt ]

noun

1. a black, crystalline mineral, iron niobate, (Fe, Mn)Nb 2 O 6 , the principal ore of niobium, an end member of a series of solid solutions in which manganese and tantalum combine to form tantalite.

columbite

/ kəˈlʌmbaɪt /

noun

1. a black mineral consisting of a niobium oxide of iron and manganese in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in coarse granite, often with tantalite, and is an ore of niobium. Formula: (Fe, Mn)(Nb) 2 O 6 Also calledniobite

Word History and Origins

Origin of columbite¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; columb(ium) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of columbite¹

C19: from columbium + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The region has a history of tin and columbite mining - abandoned mines mark the landscape.

From BBC

These elements occur in the minerals columbite and tantalite, and their compounds became known in the early part of the 19th century by the labours of C. Hatchett, A.G.

From Project Gutenberg

They are probably present in the form of columbite, a niobate of iron and manganese; and tantalite, a tantalate of the same metals.

From Project Gutenberg