Betpakdalite-NaNa is a rare hydrous arsenate-molybdate mineral that typically forms as a secondary alteration product in the oxidation zones of mineral deposits. It appears as yellow, fine-grained aggregates or thin plates and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its rarity.
Is this betpakdalite-nana?
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-nana with a known reference. Betpakdalite-NaNa 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-NaNa leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betpakdalite-NaNa typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Betpakdalite-NaNa vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside betpakdalite-nana
Minerals reported to co-occur with betpakdalite-nana. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaNaCa₂(Mo,Fe³⁺)₈As₂O₃₂·20H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Molybdenum Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-nana
Classic worldwide localities
- Betpak-Dala Desert, Kazakhstan
- Gold Hill, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich molybdenum deposits country — that is the host setting where betpakdalite-nana typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, jarosite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find betpakdalite-nana on the map
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