Wodginite Locality: Linópolis, Divino das Laranjeiras , Doce valley, Minas Gerais , Southeast Region, Brazil ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: small cabinet, 9.4 x 3.6 x 2.6 cm Wodginite (HUGE crystal!) Wodginite is one of the more bizarre and unusual tantalates, and is very rare in large crystals (to my knowledge, known from just a couple of inds in Brazil in high quality). At first glance, this one is so large, lustrous, and sharp, that it could easily be mistaken for a ferberite til you feel the high heft in your hand and wonder. This crystal is complete all around except for a small contact in the lower-left, and displays nicely 360 degrees around as well. It is, I think, one of the more significant Brazilian minerals in terms of species representation, and thus a bargain compared to what you get for the price in "common, pretty" tourmalines from Brazil. To me, rarities of this calibre, when also in good condition and relatively aesthetic, make for the most interesting acquisitions! Comes with custom base. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Wodginite
A manganese-tin tantalate — the tantalum-rich relative of ferrowodginite in complex pegmatites.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Wodginite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Mn²⁺Sn⁴⁺Ta₂O₈.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group Cc). It is a member of the Wodginite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5.5; specific gravity 7.19–7.36.
IMA symbol Wdg, IMA status: approved, named in 1963.
Found in a complex zoned pegmatite in amphibolite (Tanco pegmatite, Canada).
It is found associated with Tantalite, albite, quartz, muscovite (Wodgina, Western Australia); tapiolite, microlite, microcline, albite, mica (Tanco pegmatite, Canada).
The name refers to its occurrence at Wodgina, Western Australia.