Ixiolite

Ixiolite was originally reported as crystallizing in the monoclinic crystal system. Detailed studies of the scandium, tin and titanium rich varieties indicate that they form crystals in the orthorhombic system whereas tungsten ixiolite is monoclinic. ==Discovery and occurrence==

It was first described in 1857 for an occurrence at Skogsböle, Kimito Island, Finland. The name is for Ixion, the Greek mythological character related to Tantalus, as the mineral contains tantalum. Ixiolite is typically associated with feldspar, tapiolite, cassiterite, microlite, and rutile. ==Substitution and varieties==

Trace elements include zirconium, hafnium, titanium and tungsten. Scandium is present in many ixiolite sample with percentages up to 4.0 percent Sc2O3, but usually less than one percent scandium oxide. High scandium ixiolites, containing from 4 to 19% scandium oxide are typically also rich in tin and titanium. ==Economic importance==

Ixiolite together with microlite, tantalite, tapiolite, wodginite are the most important minerals mined for the element tantalum. Ixiolite contains about 69 % tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) and is a common constituent of coltan ore. ==Further reading==