(Benato, Kaominina Benato-Toby, Distrikan'i Betroka, Faritra Anosy, Faritanin'i Toliary, Madagasikara)
The locality Benato is refering to a several phlogopite workings and mines around Benato Toby, N of the small stream of Itafia about 30 km NW of the town Betroka in the southern part of Madagascar. Exploitation started here in 1924. Large pockets with large phlogopite crystals has been found in the JS.9 mine, the largest measured 4 m in length and 2 m in diameter and weighed 27,5 tons ! The JS.9 mine was mined from 1948 to 1953.
References:
- Behier, J. (1963): Carte mineralogique de Madagascar. Archive Service Géologique Madagascar. A 1871
- Besairie, H. (1966): Les Gites Minéraux de Madagascar. Annales Géologiques de Madagascar, Tananarive. 34, 309-310
Mineral List:21 entries listed. 15 valid minerals.
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