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Hot Pink Sphaerocobaltite
CARBONATES; CALCITE GROUP · HEXAGONAL

Sphaerocobaltite

CoCO3

Hardness
3.5–4
Streak
Reddish-white
Spec. Gravity
4.13
System
Hexagonal

About

Sphaerocobaltite describes a pure cobalt carbonate, without calcium. Pure Sphaerocobaltite is quite uncommon, as the cobalt is usually mixed with calcium. This leads to confusion with the term Cobaltocalcite. Cobaltocalcite refers to an intermediary mineral between Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite in a solid solution series. It may be described as either a cobalt rich variety of Calcite, or a calcium rich variety of Sphaerocobaltite.
Sphaerocobaltite belongs to the calcite group of minerals, a group of related carbonates that are isomorphous with one another. They are similar in many physical properties, and may partially or fully replace one another, forming a solid solution series. All members of the calcite group crystallize in the trigonal system, and have perfect rhombohedral cleavage.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Complex Tests

Striking Features

Deep pink and red color.

Environment

Varieties

✓ common  · ✗ uncommon

  • Cobaltocalcite— Cobaltocalcite refers to an intermediary mineral between Calcite and Sphaerocobaltite in a solid solution series. It is most often perceived as a cobalt-rich variety of Calcite with a rich pink color. (Cobaltocalcite may also be mistakenly used as a synonym for Sphaerocobaltite).

Noteworthy Localities

Sphaerocobaltite is a rare mineral. The original type locality is the Daniel mine in Schneedberg, Saxony, Germany. The Kolwezi Mines in Shaba (Katanga), Congo (Zaire) are the most abundant and outstanding source for this mineral. Other occurrences are Bou Azzer, Morocco; Santa Rosalia, Boleo, Baja California, Mexico; and the Cobre Mine, Conception del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico.

Common Mineral Associations

Photos