Betpakdalite-CaCa is a rare secondary molybdenum arsenate mineral typically occurring in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is often found as small, fragile, yellow platy crystals or as earthy, powdery coatings on host rocks.
Is this betpakdalite-caca?
5-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 betpakdalite-caca with a known reference. Betpakdalite-CaCa sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Betpakdalite-CaCa leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betpakdalite-CaCa typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, powdery aggregates.
Often confused with
Betpakdalite-CaCa vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside betpakdalite-caca
Minerals reported to co-occur with betpakdalite-caca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Ca(H₂O)₂[Mo₈As₂Fe₃O₃₃(OH)₆]·28H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Powdery Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-arsenic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-caca
Classic worldwide localities
- Betpak-Dala Desert, Kazakhstan
- Gold Hill, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-arsenic deposits country — that is the host setting where betpakdalite-caca typically forms. If you start seeing ferrimolybdite, jarosite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, powdery aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify betpakdalite-caca?+
Where is betpakdalite-caca found?+
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What rocks look like betpakdalite-caca?+
What minerals are found with betpakdalite-caca?+
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Find betpakdalite-caca on the map
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