“Betafite” (Uranopyrochlore): Betafo District, Vakinankaratra, Madagascar

Description

Species: “Betafite” (Uranopyrochlore)
Locality: Betafo District, Vakinankaratra, Madagascar
Dimensions: 7.2 x 9.8 x 2.6 cm., 292 grams

Ex. George Kamin Collection, Ex. Dr. E. William Heinrich Collection

Superb, very large, highly-unusual flattened single crystal of betafite from the classic Betafo District, Vakinankaratra, Madagascar. Formerly in the collection of eminent University of Michigan geologist and mineralogist E. William Heinrich, with handwritten label bearing the note “superb and unusual.” Likely mined in the early 20th century, this is an exceptional large single crystal of this uncommon REE species from a classic locality for the species. Rare!!