TANTALITE Meaning and
Definition
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Tantalite is a mineral composed of iron, manganese, tantalum, and niobium. Its chemical formula is (Fe, Mn)Ta₂O₆. It belongs to a group of minerals called the tantalite series, which also includes other minerals such as columbite. Tantalite usually occurs as black or brownish-black, metallic-looking crystals. It has a high density and is moderately hard.
The name "tantalite" is derived from Tantalus, a character in Greek mythology who was punished by the gods and forever plagued with hunger and thirst. This name was given to the mineral due to the difficulty in extracting the valuable metals it contains, which created a tantalizing challenge for early miners.
Tantalite is a valuable source of tantalum, a highly sought-after metal with a range of industrial applications. Tantalum is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high melting point, and good electrical conductivity. It is primarily used in the production of capacitors, which are essential components in electronic devices. Tantalum also finds use in the manufacture of turbine blades for jet engines, chemical process equipment, and surgical instruments.
Due to its scarcity and importance, tantalite is often mined as a primary source of tantalum. Major deposits are found in countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Canada. However, mining tantalite can also have significant environmental impacts, as harmful chemicals are often used in the extraction process. Therefore, sustainable mining practices are crucial to minimize the ecological and social effects associated with tantalite mining.
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The ore of the metal tantalum or columbium, of a dark-bluish, grey, or iron-black colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TANTALITE
- rantalite
- fantalite
- gantalite
- yantalite
- 6antalite
- 5antalite
- tzntalite
- tsntalite
- twntalite
- tqntalite
- tabtalite
- tamtalite
- tajtalite
- tahtalite
- tanralite
- tanfalite
- tangalite
- tanyalite
- tan6alite
Etymology of TANTALITE
The word "tantalite" has its roots in Greek mythology. It is derived from the name of the legendary figure Tantalus, who was a son of Zeus. According to the myth, Tantalus was punished by being sentenced to eternal hunger and thirst in the afterlife. As part of his punishment, he was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree, but every time he reached down to drink or pluck a fruit, they would recede out of his reach.
The mineral tantalite, which is a dark-colored mineral found in various parts of the world such as Africa and Australia, was named after Tantalus due to the frustration caused by its difficult extraction and its tantalizing resemblance to other valuable minerals. The name "tantalite" reflects the similarity between the mineral's properties and the unachievable desires of Tantalus in Greek mythology.
Similar spelling words for TANTALITE
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