Betafite (classic locale - 1950s)

Item Description

Betafite is technically a member of the Pyrochlore Supergroup (of Hogarth 1977). This is an unusually sharp and well-developed isometric crystal of good size, from one of the most important classic localities for the species. A floater, complete all around with multiple interesting facial features. This lustrous mottled-brown crystal is from the well-known Silver Crater Mine at Bancroft. It is a superb and rare specimen, today. Most specimens of this quality came out in the 1950s, during the active mining period.