Achalaite
# Achalaite

Achalaite $((Fe^{2+},$ Mn)(Ti, $Fe^{3+},$ Ta)(Nb, $Ta)_2O_8)$ is a black mineral of the wodginite group, first discovered in 2013.

It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and has a dark, metallic luster, a specific gravity of 6.285 and a Mohs hardness of 5.5.

Achalaite occurs in the intermediate zone of topaz- and tantalite-bearing pegmatite. Associated minerals include rutile, quartz and albite.

Its name comes from the type locality: the Achala batholith in Córdoba, Argentina and the mineral has been approved by the IMA with the acronym 2013-103.

