Betafite (excellent size & quality - rare locale) (ex Josef Vajdak)

Item Description

First off, it must be stated that Betafite is no longer a valid species. According to the recent nomenclature: "betafite is defined as a calcium-rich and Ti-dominant pyrochlore". Furthermore, you can't identify any members of the Pyrochlore Group visually, and the description of the group on mindat.org states, "correct identification of the individual members of the pyrochlore group is only possible using a combination of several analytical methods". With that said, this piece was originally labeled as a Betafite, and for the purposes of this posting it will be referred to as such. This is a very noteworthy example as it is not only very large for what it is, but comes from a seldom mentioned locality near Bancroft, Ontario, the Silver Crater Mine. The piece shows excellent crystal faces, predominantly octahedral with cubic modifications on the display side. The reverse side of the specimen is not complete but does have some attached black Mica (Biotite?). Although Betafite is not an actual mineral species anymore, this is a still a remarkable specimen that would make a great addition into any Canadian suite or a collection of minerals from the Pyrochlore Group. Valued in the inventory at $950. The piece comes with a classic label from the well-known rarities dealer, Josef Vajdak who states that the piece is "very rare" and was collected in the early 1950s.