Skip to product information
1 of 2

CC28383

COLUMBITE-(Fe)

COLUMBITE-(Fe)


Size:
57 x 62 x 70 mm
Weight:
888 g
Regular price $7,500.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $7,500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
View full details

Detailed information

Species Columbite-(Fe)
Dimensions 57 x 62 x 70 mm
Weight 888 g
Locality Governador Valadares Minas Gerais Brazil
Condition No recorded repairs
Columbite-(Fe) is a rare, niobium-bearing mineral, but crystals are rare. Crystals of gigantic proportions are rarer still. The derivation of its name is a complicated story: it is named after Christopher Columbus - who discovered the Americas - because it was found to contain a new element, also named after Columbus, Columbium. However, that element was subsequently renamed Niobium with the mineral retaining its original name. Niobium is an important, and valuable, transition metal and is often grouped with the similar metal, tantalum, under the term Coltan. This specimen is remarkable not only for its wonderful crystal form, but for the scale of it. Weighing in at 0.88 kg, the crystal measures a whopping 7 x 6.2 x 5.7 cm. I really want to call it a "brute", but only in a positive sense due to its sheer size. It is like Columbite-(Fe) on steroids. The base and rear of the crystal are missing where it was attached to the host rock, but the four display faces are excellent. It has a very bright metallic lustre and has only the slightest abrasions visible on some of the crystal edges. Otherwise, it is perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a specimen?

Start by adding the specimen to your cart and either log in or, if you haven't done so already, create an account by registering. Once you have logged in confirm your shipping details are correct, select your preferred shipping method and proceed to the payment screen.

Please note that we do not send any specimen on approval without payment.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We offer a number of different shipping methods, depending on locality and availability. Generally we try to ship using a courier to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of your new mineral specimen, however, other methods are available upon request.

What payment methods do you accept?

Crystal Classics have the ability to accept credit or debit card payments, or payments via PayPal. We currently accept payments from the following card types:

  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • Discover
  • JCB

At present, we cannot accept payments using American Express.

We can also accept payments via cheque or bank transfer. If you wish to purchase a specimen and pay using either of these methods, please contact us.

I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.