Betpakdalite-FeFe is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the weathered oxidation zones of ore bodies rich in molybdenum and arsenic. It generally presents as distinct yellow or orange powdery crusts or coatings on host rocks like quartz or iron oxides. Collectors often seek it out for its specific type-locality significance and its formation in complex supergene environments.
Is this betpakdalite-fefe?
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-fefe with a known reference. Betpakdalite-FeFe sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Betpakdalite-FeFe leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betpakdalite-FeFe typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, powdery coatings, microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Betpakdalite-FeFe vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Betpakdalite-FeFe and silky on Molybdite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Betpakdalite-FeFe leaves yellow, Mopungite leaves white; luster reads earthy on Betpakdalite-FeFe and vitreous on Mopungite.
Often found alongside betpakdalite-fefe
Minerals reported to co-occur with betpakdalite-fefe. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺₂Fe³⁺₂(MoO₄)₄(AsO₄)₂·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Powdery Coatings, Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-arsenic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on matrix quality
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-fefe
Classic worldwide localities
- Bet-Pak-Dala Desert, Kazakhstan
- Gold Hill Mine, Utah, USA
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Bou Skour Mine, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-arsenic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where betpakdalite-fefe typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, goethite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, powdery coatings, microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find betpakdalite-fefe on the map
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