Beckettite is a rare calcium vanadium aluminum oxide that forms aggregates of grains. Associated minerals include corundum, grossular and anorthite. It was first described from material found in Mexico (meteorite).
Is this beckettite?
2-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch beckettite with a known reference. Beckettite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates of grains.
Often confused with
Beckettite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside beckettite
Minerals reported to co-occur with beckettite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂V₆Al₆O₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 5.35 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates of grains
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- oxidized hydrothermal zones
Where rockhounds find beckettite
Classic worldwide localities
- Material found in Mexico (meteorite)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: oxidized hydrothermal zones. If you start seeing corundum, grossular, anorthite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates of grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify beckettite?+
Where is beckettite found?+
Is beckettite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like beckettite?+
What minerals are found with beckettite?+
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Find beckettite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
