A spectacular specimen of fergusonite-(Y), a somewhat unusual yttrium niobate, which typically occurs massively or in small crystals. In this specimen, several crystals can be observed growing in parallel. It belongs from the collection of Jean Béhier (1903-1963), a self-taught French mineralogist who amassed a collection of over 5,000 specimens, primarily of Madagascar minerals. This collection was formed through his numerous field studies and the many exchanges he made throughout his life. A top specimen for both the species and the locality.

A huge size crystal of betafite showing defined octahedral faces (triangular) and developed dodecahedral ones. Very interesting for its crystallography and species. An oldie, classic and representative for the species. This specimen belonged to the collection of Peraud-Pregilbert (France).
Although the term betafite was discredited in 2010, many of us still are using this term to define this mineral when we see it. Our specimen is an uranium, calcium, titanium and niobium/tantalum oxide with radioactive activity. Currently the betafite is included as a variety within the pyrochlore supergroup. As a note, the rich uranium term has been only found in the Moon (oxyuranobetafite).

A huge size crystal of betafite showing defined octahedral faces (triangular) and developed dodecahedral ones. Very interesting for its crystallography and species. An oldie, classic and representative for the species. This specimen belonged to the collection of P. Sainfeld, mineralogist at the École des Mines de Paris.
Although the term betafite was discredited in 2010, many of us still are using this term to define this mineral when we see it. Our specimen is an uranium, calcium, titanium and niobium/tantalum oxide with radioactive activity. Currently the betafite is included as a variety within the pyrochlore supergroup. As a note, the rich uranium term has been only found in the Moon (oxyuranobetafite).