The growth of tapiolite (FeTa2O6) single crystals by the floating zone method

Single crystals of tapiolite (FeTa2O6) were grown by the floating zone method using an infrared heating furnace under a controlled atmosphere of oxygen partial pressure obtained with a CO2-CO gas mixture. The grown crystals were 5 mm in diameter by 50 mm in length, had a metallic luster and were homogeneous in composition. When the FeTa2O6 grown crystals were heated in air at 1000°C, FeTa2O6 was decomposed into disordered tapiolite (FeTaO4) and β-Ta2O5.