Images
Formula: Na6Ca2(Al6Si6O24)Cl4
Tectosilicate, cancrinite group of the
feldspathoid group,
paramorph of
quadridavyne
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 2.38 measured, 2.363 calculated
Hardness: 5½
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless
Luminescence: Not fluorescent under short wave or longwave UV
Environments
Betzite is a new mineral, approved in 2021 and to date (February 2024) reported only from the type locality.
Localities
At the type locality, the Bellerberg volcano, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany,
betzite was discovered in calcic xenoliths contained within alkaline
basalt. The associated minerals include
anorthite, phlogopite,
diopside, grossular,
fluorite and calcite.
Betzite is considered to be a product of
contact metamorphism related to incorporation of a calcic
xenolith in an alkaline basalt. It occurs as colourless hexagonal
prismatic crystals up to 2 mm long and up to 0.5 mm thick
Back to Minerals