Betpakdalite-NaCa is an extremely rare secondary arsenate mineral found in the oxidation zones of molybdenum ore deposits. It typically presents as soft, yellow earthy or powdery coatings and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors for its chemical complexity.
Is this betpakdalite-naca?
4-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-naca with a known reference. Betpakdalite-NaCa sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lemon yellow.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Betpakdalite-NaCa vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Betpakdalite-NaCa and pearly, adamantine, to greasy on Molybdomenite.
How to tell apart: Betpakdalite-NaCa is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-2); luster reads dull on Betpakdalite-NaCa and adamantine to silky, earthy on Ferrimolybdite.
Often found alongside betpakdalite-naca
Minerals reported to co-occur with betpakdalite-naca. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- [Na₂(H₂O)₁₇Ca(H₂O)₆][Mo₈As₂Fe₃O₃₄(OH)₃]
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.02 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline aggregates
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-naca
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzylsai Mo-U deposit, Chu-Ili mountains, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
If you start seeing molybdenite, jarosite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify betpakdalite-naca?+
Where is betpakdalite-naca found?+
Is betpakdalite-naca safe to handle?+
What rocks look like betpakdalite-naca?+
What minerals are found with betpakdalite-naca?+
What is betpakdalite-naca used for?+
Find betpakdalite-naca on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
