Columbite is a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum, found in granitic pegmatites and deposits. Niobium creates strong and lightweight alloys for aircraft, weapons, and other advanced applications. Tantalum is used to make capacitors, essential components in electronic devices such as phones, computers, and cameras, as well as medical implants such as artificial joints.
Why Buy Columbite From Commodity 1
Commodity 1 has direct access to Nigerian columbite ores. Nigerian columbite ore has two unique characteristics: it is one of the nascent, untapped market opportunities, elementally among the best in the world with up to 60% columbite content and few impurities; and the Nigerian government estimates the country holds one of the largest reserves of columbite ore in the world.
Overall, the outlook for the global columbite market is positive, driven by growing demand for niobium and tantalum in high-tech applications. Commodity 1 can be your reliable partner for your supply chain needs. We've streamlined the shipping process for our customers, and due to our proximity to significant tantalum markets, buyers from China and the United States have a shipping advantage.
Composition of Columbite Ore
| Mineral | Chemical Formula | Percentage |
|---|
| Columbite | (Fe, Mn)Nb₂O₆ | 50–60% |
| Fe-tantalite | (Fe, Mn)Ta₂O₆ | 30–40% |
| Rutile | TiO₂ | 10–20% |
| Cassiterite | SnO₂ | 5–10% |
| Tourmaline | Complex borosilicate | 5–10% |
Composition varies slightly based on the source and region of Nigeria it is collected from. We encourage buyers to request a free sample for their own composition analysis. Samples are free of cost, but buyers should arrange pickup with a courier service of their choice.
Packaging & Delivery
| Detail | Value |
|---|
| Packaging | Crushed, processed |
| Port | Lagos Apapa Port, Nigeria |
| Bags | 50 kg |
| Container | 20 ft |
| Quantity | 20 MT per month |
| Lead time | 30 days |
Physical Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Color | Black, brownish-black |
| Crystal habit | Massive – granular |
| Cleavage | [010] distinct |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal |
| Hardness | 6–7 |
| Specific gravity | 5.2–5.3 |
| Luster | Submetallic |
| Streak | Black |
| Radioactivity | Yes, low levels |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Chemical formula | (Fe, Mn)Nb₂O₆ |
| Molar mass | 676.9 g/mol |
| Appearance | Black, brownish-black |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6–7 |
| Specific gravity | 5.2–5.8 |
| Luster | Metallic |
| Streak | Black |
| Magnetic properties | Paramagnetic |
| Occurrence | Igneous rocks, pegmatites, placer deposits |
| Uses | Ore of niobium and tantalum, semiconductors, refractories |
Industrial Uses
| Use | Industry |
|---|
| Alloy steel | Aerospace, automotive, construction, oil and gas |
| Superalloys | Jet engines, nuclear reactors, medical implants |
| Tantalum capacitors | Mobile phones, computers, cameras, medical devices |
| Sputtering targets | Electronics, solar cells, optical coatings |
| Lubricants | Metalworking, aerospace, automotive |
| Ceramics | Electronics, medical devices, wear-resistant components |
| Glass | Fiber optics, specialty glasses |
| Refractory materials | Steelmaking, glassmaking, metalworking |
| Nuclear fuel | Nuclear power plants |
| Jewelry | Decorative items, gemstones |
Commodity 1