Microlite is an uncommon tantalum-bearing oxide found in granite pegmatites and this is a sharp, complex, lustrous, variegated brown crystal from Amelia Courthouse, a famous Virginia locale. Well-formed crystals such as this one are highly sought after and most are over 100 years old! One of the last major American Civil War battles was held nearby in April 1865. This is a nearly pristine, complete, crystal from this classic locale. It is incredibly rare, historic, and in unusually sharp condition and has a more complex shape than most. Most of these Microlites we have seen, have been rolled and rounded by time and handling.