The name Tantalite has been discredited by the IMA, with the more specific designations of Tantalite-(Fe) (also known as Ferrotantalite), and Tantalite-(Mn) (also known as Manganotantalite) being used for this mineral's IMA-accepted nomenclature.Ferrotantalite is always dark and opaque; Manganotantalite is usually reddish-brown and may exhibit transparency.
