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Betafite specimens for sale
1 for sale · $850 USD
10 in the gallery
Betafite is a rare actinide-bearing oxide mineral, typically forming pale to dark yellow-brown to black crystalline aggregates and crystals with a vitreous to submetallic luster. Its structure features complex zircon-type arrangements of calcium, sodium, uranium and titanium niobium tantalum oxides, often displaying a compact, sometimes nearly cubic habit and occasional euhedral faces. Specimens are prized when well-formed and show a rich, durable glaze that contrasts with dark matrix minerals, emphasizing the mineral’s intricate composition.
- Formula
- (Ca,Na,U)2(Ti, Nb,Ta)2O6Z(OH)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Oxide mineral; titanate-uranate pyrochlore group (A2B2O7 type with Ca, U, Na on A-site and Ti, Nb, Ta on B-site)
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- isometric
- Mohs hardness
- 4–5.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.7–4.9
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous, greasy
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- black, brown, yellow, green
- Streak
- brown, yellow
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- octahedral, granular, massive
- Radioactive
- Classic / historic
Buy Betafite specimens
View all 1Where Betafite is found
Top localities
- Haute Matsiatra2 specimens
- Ontario1 specimen
- Vakinankaratra1 specimen
- Pluma Hidalgo1 specimen
About Betafite
Notable localities include Madagascar and Canada, where Betafite-bearing lenses occur within alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites. Collectors seek out standout crystals that reveal the mineral’s characteristic blocky forms and subtle color variations, with size and crystallinity enhancing display value. While Betafite is not commonly encountered, the combination of uranium involvement and the rarity of well-crystallized examples makes existing specimens particularly appealing to those who focus on complex oxide minerals and accessory phases from pegmatitic environments.
