Betafite

This specimen features a sharp cube-octahedral crystal of the radioactive mineral betafite, sourced from the famous Silver Crater Mine in Cardiff, Ontario. The crystal shows contact on the back but retains excellent form on the front. Although the Silver Crater site is still accessible, quality specimens have become increasingly difficult to find. The Silver Crater Mine, an abandoned site, has produced some of the world's most notable betafite crystals. Mining activity at this locale dates back to the late 19th century, with industrial extraction of mica beginning in 1927. In the 1950s, the mine shifted its focus to uranium before being abandoned in 1955, leaving behind a legacy of rare mineral specimens that continue to intrigue collectors.