How do I identify Bettertonite?

Bettertonite can be identified by its White color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Bettertonite?

Bettertonite typically appears in White. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Bettertonite

A variety of Minerals

What is Bettertonite?

Bettertonite is a mineral of the arsenate category, named after John Betterton. He was a museum geologist and mineralogist at Haslemere Educational Museum in Surrey, England. Bettertonite is a white arsenate mineral with a formula of [Al6(AsO4)3(OH)9(H2O)5]・11H2O. Bettertonite is in the monoclinic system and has a heteropolyhedral layered structure type. It is a natural forming polyoxometalate. Bettertonite forms in clusters of radiating rectangular laths. Laths are thin and usually < 20 μm laterally. Laths are flat on {010}. Bettertonite is similar to penberthycroftyite and it transforms into penberthycroftyite at low temperatures (67-97 ℃).

Bettertonite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Bettertonite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Bettertonite Localities Map

See where Bettertonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Bettertonite

Bettertonite is a white and translucent mineral. It has a vitreous and silky to pearly luster. It has a calculated density of 2.02 g/cm. Bettertonite has perfect cleavage on {010}. Bettertonite’s hardness and fracture were not observed. Bettertonite is nonpleochroic and biaxially positive with α = 1.511 (1), β = 1.517 (1), γ = 1.523 (1).

Formation of Bettertonite

Bettertonite was discovered in St. Hilary, Cornwall, UK, at the Penberthy Croft Mine. The Penberthy Croft Mine is known for the rare secondary CuPbFe arsenates that have been found there. Bettertonite most likely formed as a product of leaching and the replacement of Al to Fe in pharmacosiderite. Bettertonite infills isolated cavities in quartz veins and is associated with arsenopyrite, chamosite, liskeardite, pharmacoalumite, and pharmacosiderite.