SPHEROCOBALTITE

    Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Anhydrous carbonates
    Crystal system : Trigonal
    Chemistry : CoCO3
    Rarity : Rare

Spherocobaltite is a rare cobalt carbonate found in the oxidized superficial sectors of cobalt mineralizations, where it coexists with other secondary cobalt minerals (erythrite, roselite, etc...). Its name comes from the Greek (ball) and cobalt in reference to the appearance and composition of the mineral. Spherocobaltite forms rare small rhombohedral crystals, frequently assembled into spherulitic crystalline aggregates and incrustations of a beautiful carmine pink color, turning dark brown by alteration.

Main photo : Spherocobaltite from Bou Azzer, Morocco © Ko-Chun Huang

Spherocobaltite from Bou Azzer, Morocco © Christophe Boutry
Spherocobaltite from Musonoi, Kolwezi, D.R. Congo © Paul de Bondt
Spherocobaltite from Kakanda, Lubudi, D.R. Congo © Pierre Rondelez
Spherocobaltite from Agoudal mines, Morocco © OT. Ljøstad

Spherocobaltite in the World

Spherocobaltite is known in about ten locations in the world : the Etoile mine (Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo) has delivered the best known samples and that of Boleo (Mexico) specimens of good quality. Very beautiful microcrystals also come from Morocco (Bou Azzer and Agoudal).

Spherocobaltite in France

Spherocobaltite is not present in the French underground.

Twinning

No twinning known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 3 to 4
Density : 4,13
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : Red to pink

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.600 to 1.855
Birefringence : 0.255
Optical character : Uniaxial -
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Acids

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None

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