Erythrite Archives - Cochise College Geology

Erythrite

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Chemical Group: Arsenate

Chemical Formula: Co₃(AsO₄)₂.8H₂O

Color: Crimson-red, peach-red, magenta, gray

Streak: Pale version of mineral color

Luster: Pearly, adamantine, vitreous

Hardness: 1.5 to 2.5 Specific Gravity: 2.95

Transparency: Transparent to sub-translucent

Cleavage: (010) perfect Tenacity: Sectile

Crystal Forms: Monoclinic system. Crystals are prismatic and striated.

Mineral habits: Reniform, stellate, encrustation, granular

Mineral Associations: Mineral of secondary origin in cobalt deposits

Identifying Characteristics: Brilliant magenta drusy coating on rocks

Uses: Cobalt ore

Occurrences: Cobalt, Ontario, Canada

Toxicity: When-swallowed: very high When-inhaled: very high

Additional Information: Erythrite is hydrous cobalt arsenate and it is also known as “cobalt bloom”. It is often identified by intense crimson to pink color.

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Photos

Erythrite 1 2 3 4

erythrite-tiny red crystals — Erythrite - Tiny Red Crystals

erythrite-pinkish purple-massive — Erythrite - Pinkish Purple - Massive

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