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, 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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