Betafite | |
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![]() Betafite dodecahedron, Locality: Bancroft, Ontario, Canada | |
General | |
Category | Oxide minerals |
Formula (repeating unit) | (Ca,U)2(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6(OH) |
IMA symbol | Btf[1] |
Strunz classification | 4.DH.15 |
Crystal system | Cubic |
Space group | Fd3m (no. 227) |
Identification | |
Color | Brown, Black, Brownish green, Yellow, Greenish black |
Crystal habit | Massive - Granular |
Cleavage | None |
Mohs scale hardness | 5 - 5.5 |
Luster | Vitreous |
Streak | Yellowish white |
Diaphaneity | Translucent to Opaque |
Density | 3.7 - 4.9 |
Other characteristics | ![]() |
References | [2][3][4] |
Betafite is a mineral group in the pyrochlore supergroup, with the chemical formula (Ca,U)2(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6(OH). Betafite typically occurs as a primary mineral in granite pegmatites, rarely in carbonatites. Originally defined by the B-site atom Ti,[5] the development of new nomenclature for mineral names[6] led to modernization of the system for nomenclature of pyrochlore and betafite in order to further rationalize the naming process of this grouping of minerals. Only two of the mineral species that were formerly recognized as betafite[7] are presently retained.[5] They are oxyuranobetafite and oxycalciobetafite. The term betafite is now a synonym or varietal group name under the pyrochlore super group.[8]
AtencioEta2010
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Hogarth1977
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).