Bettsiamite

Bettsiamite is a rare mineral discovered in the Betts Cove ophiolite complex in Newfoundland, Canada. It is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Fe2+3Fe3+)(Si2O5)(OH)4. Structurally, bettsiamite belongs to the sepiolite supergroup, exhibiting a characteristic chain silicate structure. It is often found in association with serpentine and magnetite within serpentinized ultramafic rocks. The mineral typically appears as fine-grained aggregates or as fibrous to asbestiform crystals. Its color ranges from greenish-gray to dark green, and it has a dull to silky luster. Bettsiamite is known for its relatively low hardness, typically around 2 on the Mohs scale, and a specific gravity of approximately 2.7. The discovery of bettsiamite provided new insights into the mineralogy of ophiolite complexes and the geological processes that form them. Research into bettsiamite has focused on its crystal structure, chemical composition, and geological occurrence. Its rarity makes it a mineral of interest to collectors and mineralogists alike.