The Mineral safflorite
Safflorite belongs to the Loellingite group, which is a group of chemically related isomorphous minerals that are all rare. Other members discussed in this guide are Loellingite and Rammelsbergite.
Safflorite oxidizes to form the pink cobalt mineral Erythrite. Safflorite may also form as a pseudomorph of Silver.
Chemical Formula
CoAs2
The above is the formula of pure Safflorite. However, since it usually occurs with some iron replacing the zinc, its formula is more accurately described as (Co,Fe)As2.
Color
Silver-white. Tarnishes dark gray.
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Properties
Streak
Black |
Hardness
4.5 - 5.5 |
Transparency
Opaque |
Specific Gravity
7.0 - 7.3 |
Luster
Metallic |
Cleavage
Indiscernible |
Fracture
Conchoidal |
Tenacity
Brittle |
Additional Information
Composition
Cobalt arsenate, usually with iron, sometimes with some nickel. If the cobalt (Co) is replaced by more than 50% nickel (Ni), the mineral is not Safflorite, but Rammelsbergite, and if it is replaced by more than 50% iron (Fe), the mineral is Loellingite. |
In Group
Sulfides; Arsenides |
Striking Features
Color and tarnish, crystal habits, hardness |
Environment
Occurs in hydrothermal veins of moderate temperature and pressure, often in Silver deposits. |
Rock Type
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
Noteworthy Localities
Safflorite is a rare mineral with few occurrences. It was found in Germany in Wittichen, Black Forest, Baden-Wurttemberg; and in Schlema-Hartenstein and Schneeberg, in the Erzgebirge, Saxony. It was also found in the Lill Mine, Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic;
Bou Azzer, Morocco; the Castle and O'Brien Mines, Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada; and the Olafsen Iron Mine, Hereford Township, Berks Co., Pennsylvania.
Common Mineral Associations
Arsenic, Erythrite, Calcite, Silver
Distingushing Similar Minerals
Arsenopyrite - Greater hardness.
Skutterudite, Loellingite, and Rammelsbergite - Greater hardness.
Pyrite, Marcasite, and Pyrhottite - Occurs in different crystals, more yellow in color.