Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
A variety of Pyrochlore Supergroup
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Formula:
(Ca,Na,U)2(Ti, Nb,Ta)2O6Z(OH)
Colour:
Red; greenish brown, dark brown to black when metamict, commonly superficially altered yellow; almost colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Vitreous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
3 - 5½
Specific Gravity:
3.7 - 4.9
Crystal System:
Isometric
Name:
Named in 1912 by Antoine François Alfred Lacroix for the locality near Betafo, Madagascar.
Betafite was redefined in 1961, by Donald D. Hogarth and, betafite remained a species, but frequently with "anomalous" chemistry. Redefined in 1977 by Hogarth and the IMA Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names sub-committee on the pyrochlore group.
Lumpkin and Ewing (1996) studied nine specimens historically labeled "betafite" and discovered that replacement and alteration was present in their samples. Titanium-rich minerals intergrown with pyrochlore super group crystals gave a false impression of the bulk chemistry of specimens.
Atencio, et al. (2010) reported on the IMA-approved supergroup nomenclature and Christy and Atencio (2013) added corrections to the IMA report. Betafite thus became a group name, although many old specimens are not in the group.
Betafite was redefined in 1961, by Donald D. Hogarth and, betafite remained a species, but frequently with "anomalous" chemistry. Redefined in 1977 by Hogarth and the IMA Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names sub-committee on the pyrochlore group.
Lumpkin and Ewing (1996) studied nine specimens historically labeled "betafite" and discovered that replacement and alteration was present in their samples. Titanium-rich minerals intergrown with pyrochlore super group crystals gave a false impression of the bulk chemistry of specimens.
Atencio, et al. (2010) reported on the IMA-approved supergroup nomenclature and Christy and Atencio (2013) added corrections to the IMA report. Betafite thus became a group name, although many old specimens are not in the group.
First Recorded Locality:
A variety of Pyrochlore Supergroup
True "Betafite" samples are structurally members of the pyrochlore supergroup. Hogarth (1977) stated that the betafite group has 2Ti ≥ (Nb + Ta), however the formulae of most betafites do not exactly correspond to pyrochlores and that difference has delayed their classification.
The result of modern microprobe analyses is that almost all specimens formerly labeled betafite are no longer members of that group. New analyses, including determination of H^2O, OH, and F are necessary to identify the species of a particular sample. The root-name, betafite, was retained for historical reasons.
True "Betafite" samples are structurally members of the pyrochlore supergroup. Hogarth (1977) stated that the betafite group has 2Ti ≥ (Nb + Ta), however the formulae of most betafites do not exactly correspond to pyrochlores and that difference has delayed their classification.
The result of modern microprobe analyses is that almost all specimens formerly labeled betafite are no longer members of that group. New analyses, including determination of H^2O, OH, and F are necessary to identify the species of a particular sample. The root-name, betafite, was retained for historical reasons.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
649 (as Betafite (of Hogarth 1977))
29175 (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
29175 (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:649:9 (as Betafite (of Hogarth 1977))
mindat:1:1:29175:0 (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
mindat:1:1:29175:0 (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
a37a6d9c-a82e-417d-a2a1-1a955a620d6f (as Betafite (of Hogarth 1977))
92d3d098-c8a3-4ebe-933f-e6cf61a5c20a (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
92d3d098-c8a3-4ebe-933f-e6cf61a5c20a (as Pyrochlore Supergroup)
IMA Classification of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Discredited
Classification of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Dana 7th ed.:
8.2.3.1
8.2.3.1
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
2 : A2B2O6(O,OH,F)
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
2 : A2B2O6(O,OH,F)
18.3.3
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
3 : Niobates and tantalates containing U but not rare earths
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
3 : Niobates and tantalates containing U but not rare earths
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Btf | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Bet | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Vitreous, Waxy, Sub-Metallic
Colour:
Red; greenish brown, dark brown to black when metamict, commonly superficially altered yellow; almost colourless in transmitted light
Comment:
Superficially alters to yellow
Streak:
Yellowish white
Hardness:
3 - 5½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=249 - 412 - Vickers
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
3.7 - 4.9 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.9(1) g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 1.91 - 2.197
Birefringence:
Isotropic minerals have no birefringence
Surface Relief:
Very High
Reflectivity:
| Wavelength | R |
|---|---|
| 400 nm | 13.5% |
| 420 nm | 13.2% |
| 440 nm | 13.0% |
| 460 nm | 12.8% |
| 480 nm | 12.6% |
| 500 nm | 12.4% |
| 520 nm | 12.3% |
| 540 nm | 12.2% |
| 560 nm | 12.0% |
| 580 nm | 11.9% |
| 600 nm | 11.7% |
| 620 nm | 11.6% |
| 640 nm | 11.6% |
| 660 nm | 11.6% |
| 680 nm | 11.5% |
| 700 nm | 11.5% |
Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Top of box is 100%. Peak reflectance is 13.5%.
Chemistry of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Mindat Formula:
(Ca,Na,U)2(Ti, Nb,Ta)2O6Z(OH)
Common Impurities:
Al,Fe,K,Mg,Pb,REE,Sn,Ta,Th,W,Zr
Crystallography of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
m3m (4/m 3 2/m) - Hexoctahedral
Space Group:
Fd3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.29 Å
Unit Cell V:
1 ų
Z:
8
Morphology:
Crystals commonly octahedra modified by {110}, {100}, {113}, {233} and {230}; some crystals elongated parallel to [001] or [111]
Comment:
On heated material
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Image Loading
Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Geological Environment
Geological Setting:
Typically as a primary mineral in granite pegmatites; rare in carbonatites
First Recorded Occurrence of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Synonyms of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Other Language Names for Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Varieties of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
| Tangenite | An impure "betafite" (s.l.) enriched with TiO2. Probably a mixture of several phases. |
| Tantalbetafite (of Kalita & Bykova) | Ta dominant variety of Betafite. According to Hogarth's nomenclature minerals of Pyrochlore group with 2Ti>Nb+Ta belongs to Betafite subgroup. When Ta>Nb in such minerals, we have Tantalbetafite. |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 18 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Zircon | Zr(SiO4) |
| 7 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 6 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Apatite | Ca5(PO4)3(Cl/F/OH) |
| 6 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Biotite | K(Fe2+/Mg)2(Al/Fe3+/Mg/Ti)([Si/Al/Fe]2Si2O10)(OH/F)2 |
| 5 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Microcline | K(AlSi3O8) |
| 3 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Thorite | Th(SiO4) |
| 3 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 3 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Pyrochlore Group | A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z |
| 2 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Leucosphenite | BaNa4Ti2B2Si10O30 |
| 2 photos of Betafite (of Hogarth 1977) associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
Other Information
Health Risks:
Contains uranium - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest. Avoid prolonged exposure in proximity of the body. Store away from inhabited areas.
Internet Links for Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-649.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
References for Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
Localities for Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Coats & Blissett |
Brazil | |
| Lapham (1971) |
| Murdoch (1955) |
Cameroon | |
| Cesbron et al. (1988) |
Canada | |
| 162-165. +1 other reference |
| GSC Report 39 +1 other reference |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| GSC misc report 39 | |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... |
| Geological survey of canada misc report ... +1 other reference |
| [MinRec 10:153-155 +6 other references |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| Hogarth (1961) | |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| Ref.: Geological Survey of Canada ... | |
| GSC misc. report 39 | |
| Mariano et al. (1989) +1 other reference |
| Sabina (2003) |
| Canadian Mineralogist 42 |
| Canadian Mineralogist 42 | |
China | |
| She et al. (2022) |
| Berger et al. (2009) |
| Guoneng Chen and Grapes (2007) |
| - (1978) +1 other reference |
| Dianhao Huang et al. (1984) |
| National Geological Archives of China ... +3 other references | |
| Zhang et al. (2022) |
| Xiaoyu Li (2005) +1 other reference |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Czech Republic | |
| Novak et al. (2010) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Radková et al. (2021) | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
Egypt | |
| El-Naby (2009) |
| Gehad M. Saleh (2007) | |
| Kamar et al. (2022, August) |
Finland | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data |
| |
France | |
| MONCHOUX P. et al. (2006) |
| MONCHOUX P. et al. (2006) | |
Germany | |
| Mineralien-Welt 18 (5) |
| Blass et al. (2002) |
| Blass et al. (2002) |
| Blass |
Greenland | |
| Petersen et al. (1993) |
Guyana | |
| USGS Bulletin 2062 |
Italy | |
| Pascal et al. (2008) +1 other reference |
| Russo et al. (2004) |
| Caprilli (2000) |
| AA. VV. |
| Camara et al. (2008) | |
| Carlini | |
| Cámara et al. (2004) |
| Pezzotta +1 other reference |
| AA. VV. |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| Ghizzoni et al. (2005) | |
| AA. VV. | |
| Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... +1 other reference |
| Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... |
| Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... |
| Mattioli (1987 c) +1 other reference | |
Madagascar | |
| Pezzotta (1999) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Besaire (1966) |
| Michel Arliguie collection & photo (photo id 897619) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Bourret (1988) |
| Besaire (1966) | |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Lacroix (1922) | |
| Lacroix (1922) | |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Bourret (1988) |
| Bourret (1988) | |
| Behier (1963) +1 other reference |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1963) |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Behier (1953) | |
| Besaire (1966) |
| Knut Edvard Larsen collection (MM-2228) +1 other reference | |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Behier (1963) |
| De Vito et al. (2006) |
| Besaire (1966) | |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Behier (1963) |
| Lacroix (1922) |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Behier (1963) |
| Lacroix (1922) | |
| Knut Edvard Larsen collection (MM-3974) | |
| Lacroix (1912) | |
| Alsace (1963) |
| Behier (1963) | |
| Lacroix (1922) | |
| Lacroix (1922) |
| Lacroix (1922) | |
| Alsace (1963) | |
| Lacroix (1922) |
Malawi | |
| Eby et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
Mexico | |
| Cortez et al. (1981) +1 other reference |
Mozambique | |
| Martins da Pedra. |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
Namibia | |
| USGS Open File Report 81-1666 +2 other references |
| Ashworth (2014) |
North Korea | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Norway | |
| Bjørlykke (1931) |
| Hansen (2001) |
| Pedersen (2007) |
| Bjørlykke (1934) | |
| Bjørlykke (1931) |
| Rocks & Min.: 15:77. +2 other references | |
Poland | |
| Pieczka A. 2006: An unusual manganoan apatite from the Szklary pegmatite (Lower Silesia, Poland) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Anthony (1997) |
| Stifeeva et al. (2023) | |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (1999) |
| ... +1 other reference | |
| Ivanyuk et al. (2017) |
| ... | |
| ... |
| [World of Stones 12:49] | |
| Andreeva et al. (2007) |
| Kapustin et al. (1965) |
| Kapustin Yu.L. (1989) | |
| Badanina et al. (2008) +1 other reference |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Küster (2009) |
Slovakia | |
| Uher |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
Tajikistan | |
| www.koeln.netsurf.de (1999) |
Thailand | |
| Econ Geol (1995) |
Ukraine | |
| Ryabchikov et al. (2008) |
USA | |
| - (2008) |
| - (2008) | |
| - (2008) | |
| Rocks and Minerals (1988) |
| Henry Barwood - unpublished (2010) | |
| Hewett (1953) +2 other references |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 179. +2 other references |
| Pearl +2 other references |
| USGS Proffesional Paper 265 +1 other reference | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Chunzeng Wang +2 other references |
| www.koeln.netsurf.de/~w.steffens |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (1999) | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| R.W. Munschauer II and D.G. Bailey (2009) |
| New Developments in the Study of the ... |
| O'Neill (2014) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
Quick NavTopAbout Betafite (of Hogarth 1977)Unique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentFirst Recorded Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesVarietiesCommon AssociatesOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Ambatoasana, Ambatoasana Afovoany, Soavinandriana District, Itasy, Madagascar