Pahasapaite is a rare mineral that belongs to the pyrochlore group. It is a complex oxide of niobium, titanium, and iron, with the chemical formula (Nb,Na)(Ti2Fe)O6. Pahasapaite typically forms as octahedral crystals, but it can also occur as grains or aggregates. It has a dark brown to black color and a vitreous to sub-metallic luster, making it visually distinctive.
This mineral was first discovered in the Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming, USA, specifically in the Pahasapa Limestone formation, from which it derives its name. It is an uncommon mineral and is often found associated with other minerals like aeschynite, samarskite, and uraninite.
Pahasapaite is considered to be a primary ore of niobium, a valuable metal used in various industrial applications. Its high niobium content makes it an economically important mineral. It is also of interest to mineral collectors due to its unique crystal habit and its association with other rare minerals.
In terms of its physical properties, pahasapaite has a high hardness rating, ranging between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale. Its specific gravity varies around 4.7–5.0, indicating its relative heaviness compared to other minerals. This mineral exhibits no cleavage and is characterized by its opaque nature.
Overall, pahasapaite is a rare and valuable mineral due to its chemical composition, its association with other rare minerals, and its economic significance as a source of niobium.
