Tantalum APEX Mineral

Tantalum (Ta #73) is the next element on the periodic table for my APEX mineral collection.  

Wikipedia Tantalum
Tantalum Minerals - There are many minerals with Tantalum.

Tantalite (MnTa2O6) with typical 71% Tantalum is the obvious APEX mineral.   

Tantalum is renowned for its resistance to corrosion by acids.

Tantalum is one of the 5 Refractory metals.  

• Melting point above 2000 °C
• High hardness at room temperature 
• Chemically inert 
• High density
• Powder metallurgy instead of machining to create manufactured parts

Tantalum was unknown until modern times.

Tantalum is primarily used in the production of electronic components.

Tantalum is not known to be necessary for any living organisms.