Just popping in to share some glorious examples of Erythite, the latest crystal added to my wish list, I am fascinated by the raspberry colour of this mineral Erythrite or red cobalt is a secondary hydrated cobalt arsenate mineral with the formula (Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O). Erythrite and annabergite (Ni3(AsO4)2·8H2O) (nickel arsenate) form a complete series with the general formula (Co,Ni)3(AsO4)2·8H2O. Erythrite crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms prismatic crystals. The color is crimson to pink and occurs as a secondary coating known as cobalt bloom on cobalt arsenide minerals. Well-formed crystals are rare, with most of the mineral manifesting in crusts or small reniform aggregates. Erythrite was first described in 1832 for an occurrence in Grube Daniel, Schneeberg, Saxony,[3] and takes its name from the Greek έρυθρος (erythros), meaning red.[2] Historically, erythrite itself has not been an economically important mineral, but the prospector may use it as a guide to associated cobalt and native silver. Erythrite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxide zone of Co–Ni–As bearing mineral deposits. It occurs in association with cobaltite, skutterudite, symplesite, roselite-beta, scorodite, pharmacosiderite, adamite, morenosite, retgersite, and malachite Color - Crimson to peach-red, pale rose, or pink, may be zoned Crystal habit - Radial or stellate aggregates, fibrous, drusy; usually powdery and massive - rarely as striated prismatic crystals Crystal system - Monoclinic - Prismatic H-M Symbol (2/m) Space Group: 2/m Cleavage Perfect on {010}; poor on {100} and {102}. Tenacity - Sectile Mohs scale hardness - 1.5 - 2.5 Luster - Subadamantine, pearly on cleavages Streak - Pale red to pink Diaphaneity - Transparent to translucent In Magik - Cherie Images Mindat.org, Treasure Mountain mining Google search & Marin Minerals
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 05:26:29 +0000
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