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?
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-naca with a known reference. Betpakdalite-NaCa 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-NaCa leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betpakdalite-NaCa typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look 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: Streak differs — Betpakdalite-NaCa leaves yellow, Molybdomenite leaves white; luster reads dull on Betpakdalite-NaCa and pearly on Molybdomenite.
How to tell apart: Betpakdalite-NaCa is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-2); luster reads dull on Betpakdalite-NaCa and silky on Molybdite.
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
- NaCa₂Mo₈As₂Fe₃O₃₇·21H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Molybdenite-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-naca
Classic worldwide localities
- Betpak-Dala, Kazakhstan
- Gold Hill, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal molybdenite-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where betpakdalite-naca typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, jarosite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find betpakdalite-naca on the map
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