Betpakdalite-CaMg is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of molybdenum-bearing deposits. It typically forms as bright yellow earthy crusts or thin platy crystal aggregates associated with other oxidation products like scorodite.
Is this betpakdalite-camg?
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-camg with a known reference. Betpakdalite-CaMg 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-CaMg leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betpakdalite-CaMg typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, powdery coatings, microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Betpakdalite-CaMg vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Betpakdalite-CaMg is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-2); luster reads vitreous on Betpakdalite-CaMg and silky on Molybdite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Betpakdalite-CaMg leaves yellow, Powellite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Betpakdalite-CaMg and adamantine on Powellite.
Often found alongside betpakdalite-camg
Minerals reported to co-occur with betpakdalite-camg. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMgH₂(AsO₄)₂(MoO₄)₄·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Powdery Coatings, Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-arsenic Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-camg
Classic worldwide localities
- Kounrad, Kazakhstan
- Gold Hill, Utah, USA
- Mibladen, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-arsenic hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where betpakdalite-camg typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, limonite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, powdery coatings, microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find betpakdalite-camg on the map
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