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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals P-T |
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Sphaerocobaltite |
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Name
Sphaerocobaltite
Chemistry
CoCo3 Cobalt Carbonate
Uses
As a specimen and as a minor source of cobalt
Color
Light to dark pink and sometimes red
Hardness
4
Specific gravity
4.2
Crystals
Hexagonal
Accompanied by:
Erythrite,roselite and sometimes with annabergite
Fracture
Subconchoidal
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
Distinct
Streak
Red
Similar to:
Rhodochrosite
Sphaerocobaltite is found as crusts on the base rock.
It is formed by water that was rich in cobalt. This water filtered through hollows as hydrothermal steam leaving behind a crust of pink cobalt rich deposit. The pink is a brilliant pink,rich and slightly dark and adds good color to any collection.
It is oftentimes found with malachite and the combination of pink and green on the same specimen can make attractive pieces. Do not confuse this one with rhodochrosite, it has a more intense pink.
The best specimens are from the Shaba mines in the Congo. See our specimens below by clicking on the links.