19 Photos
Betafite
Chemical Formula	(Ca,U)2(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6(OH)
Species	Oxides & Hydroxides
Crystal System	Isometric
Mohs Scale	4-5
Specific Gravity	3.75-4.82

Betafite is a mineral in the pyrochlore group, with the chemical formula (Ca,U)₂(Ti,Nb,Ta)₂O₆(OH). Betafite typically occurs as a primary mineral in granite pegmatites, rarely in carbonatites. Betafite was discovered in 1912 at Betafo, Madagascar.

Betafite crystallizes as Isometric - Hexoctahedral crystals and occurs typically as anhedral grains with color varying from red, greenish brown, dark brown to black. Its luster is vitreous to greasy. Betafite is a radioactive mineral.