Bettertonite is an extremely rare hydrotalcite-group mineral typically found in sedimentary environments. It manifests as delicate, platy, pale blue or white aggregates that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this bettertonite?
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 bettertonite with a known reference. Bettertonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bettertonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bettertonite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale blue, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Bettertonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bettertonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bettertonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃Mg₂Al₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Strata
- Typical price
- $50-200 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find bettertonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Betterton, Maryland, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary strata country — that is the host setting where bettertonite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bettertonite on the map
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