On the basis of detailed studies on columbite from the Suzhou granite, tantalite has been found for the first time in this granite. It occurs as intergranular tabular crystals. Electron micro-probe analyses show that tantalite has the Ta/(Ta+Nb) atomic ratio = 0. 50 - 0. 73 and the Mn/ (Mn+Fe) ratio=0. 20 - 0. 40, and is enriched in W and Ti. Laser micro-Raman probe analysis has been used to distinguish structurally this mineral species from isomorphic tapiolite. The result shows that the Ag Raman peak at 880 cm-1 is remarkable for tantalite. The associated zircon exhibits high enrichment in hafnium (HfO2 content being up to 35%- 40%). The occurrence of tantalite in the Suzhou granite could suggest that this granite is of S -type rather than of A -type, as considered traditionally up to date.