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Hot Pink Sphaerocobaltite

The Mineral sphaerocobaltite




Sphaerocobaltite describes a pure cobalt carbonate, without calcium. Pure Sphaerocobaltite is quite uncommon, as the cobalt is usually mixed with calcium. This leads to confusion with the term Cobaltocalcite. Cobaltocalcite refers to an intermediary mineral between Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite in a solid solution series. It may be described as either a cobalt rich variety of Calcite, or a calcium rich variety of Sphaerocobaltite.

Sphaerocobaltite belongs to the calcite group of minerals, a group of related carbonates that are isomorphous with one another. They are similar in many physical properties, and may partially or fully replace one another, forming a solid solution series. All members of the calcite group crystallize in the trigonal system, and have perfect rhombohedral cleavage.
Chemical Formula CoCO3
Composition Cobalt carbonate, usually with some calcium
Variable Formula (Co,Ca)CO3
Color Intense pink to reddish-white. Oxidizes brown, dark red, dark maroon, or black.
Streak Reddish-white
Hardness 3.5 - 4
Crystal System Hexagonal
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 Occurs in small rhombohedral crusts and massive.
Transparency Transparent to Translucent
Specific Gravity 4.13
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage 1,3 - rhombohedral
Fracture Conchoidal
Tenacity Brittle
Complex Tests Effervesces in hydrochloric acid
In Group Carbonates; Calcite Group
Striking Features Deep pink and red color.
Environment In secondary ore veins rich in cobalt and nickel.
Rock Type Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 3
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 3


Sphaerocobaltite AUCTIONS
OTHER NAMES
Spherocobaltite

VARIETIES
 -  Cobaltocalcite refers to an intermediary mineral between Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite in a solid solution series. It is most often perceived as a cobalt-rich variety of Calcite with a rich pink color. (Cobaltocalcite may also be mistakenly used as a synonym for Sphaerocobaltite).



NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
Sphaerocobaltite is a rare mineral. The original type locality is the Daniel mine in Schneedberg, Saxony, Germany. The Kolwezi Mines in Shaba (Katanga), Congo (Zaire) are the most abundant and outstanding source for this mineral. Other occurrences are Bou Azzer, Morocco; Santa Rosalia, Boleo, Baja California, Mexico; and the Cobre Mine, Conception del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Calcite, Dolomite, Malachite



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