Erythrite from Mount Cobalt mine, Mt Isa QLD
Erythrite is a bright red-purple colour cobalt arsenic, oxygen and hydrogen mineral. This colourful characteristic makes it very noticeable and easy to identify. This specimen was mined from Mount Cobalt mine, Mt Isa QLD Australia.
Unfortunately this specimen is slightly damaged with a crack in the middle but is still in-tact on the matrix. I am looking to acquire a new specimen that has nice transparent crystals.
I acquired this specimen from Greg from Blue Gems at the August 2016 Sydney Crystal Show.
Specimen Details
Chemical Formula: Co3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
ID #: JG0007
Colour: Crystal forms are generally a deep redish purple, this specimen is more of a thin crust form which is bright pink
Hardness: 1.5 – 2.5
Acquisition Date: 06/08/2016
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Lustre: Vitreous. This thin crust specimen is more a silky lustre
Dimensions: 74mm x 38mm x 25mm
Weight: 63g
Location: Mount Cobalt mine, Mt Isa QLD Australia
Rarity of Mineral
Did you know!?
Many miners refer to Erythrite as “Cobalt Bloom”. Larger size crystals are quite uncommon and not necessarily that amazing.