RockHoundR

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.

Hardness
~3
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous to subadamantine
Streak
Colorless to very pale yellow
Transparency
Transparent

Is this betpakdalite-nana?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

  • 1
    Test the hardness
    Try to scratch betpakdalite-nana with a known reference. Betpakdalite-NaNa sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: colorless to very pale yellow.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to subadamantine.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: yellow.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal 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.

Betpakdalite-CaCa mineral
mineral
Betpakdalite-CaCa
Mohs ~3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Betpakdalite-NaNa leaves colorless to very pale yellow, Betpakdalite-CaCa leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous to subadamantine on Betpakdalite-NaNa and dull to waxy on Betpakdalite-CaCa.

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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
[Na₂(H₂O)₁₆Na(H₂O)₆][Mo₈As₂Fe₃O₃₃(OH)₄]
Mohs hardness
~3
Density
2.87 g/cm³
Colors
Yellow
Streak
Colorless to very pale yellow
Luster
Vitreous to subadamantine
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Crystal habit
Platy crystals, crusts
Cleavage
{001}, perfect
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
From the upper oxidation zone of a porphyry copper deposit

Where rockhounds find betpakdalite-nana

Classic worldwide localities

  • Chuquicamata mine, Antofagasta, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: From the upper oxidation zone of a porphyry copper deposit. If you start seeing jarosite, scorodite, topaz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify betpakdalite-nana?+
Mohs hardness is ~3. Luster: vitreous to subadamantine. The streak is colorless to very pale yellow. Common colors include yellow.
Where is betpakdalite-nana found?+
Notable localities include Chuquicamata mine, Antofagasta, Chile.
Is betpakdalite-nana safe to handle?+
Betpakdalite-NaNa contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.
What rocks look like betpakdalite-nana?+
Betpakdalite-NaNa is most often confused with Betpakdalite-CaCa. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with betpakdalite-nana?+
Betpakdalite-NaNa commonly co-occurs with Jarosite, Scorodite, Topaz, Leightonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does betpakdalite-nana form in?+
Where it forms: From the upper oxidation zone of a porphyry copper deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is betpakdalite-nana used for?+
Betpakdalite-NaNa is used in collector.

Find betpakdalite-nana on the map

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