Erythrite
Template:Short description Template:Infobox mineral {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}}
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Erythrite, also known as red cobalt, previously cobalt ochre<ref name="kriv">Krivovichev V. G. Mineralogical glossary. Scientific editor A. G. Bulakh. — St.Petersburg: St.Petersburg Univ. Publ. House. 2009. — 556 p. — ISBN 978-5-288-04863-0</ref>Template:Rp is a secondary hydrated cobalt arsenate mineral with the formula Template:Chem. Erythrite and annabergite, chemical formula Template:Chem, or nickel arsenate form a complete series with the general formula Template:Chem.
Erythrite crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms prismatic crystals. The color is crimson to pink and occurs as a secondary coating known as cobalt bloom on cobalt arsenide minerals. Well-formed crystals are rare, with most of the mineral manifesting in crusts or small reniform aggregates.
Erythrite was first described in 1832 for an occurrence in Grube Daniel, Schneeberg, Saxony,<ref name=Webmin/> and takes its name from the Greek έρυθρος (erythros), meaning red.<ref name=Mindat/> Historically, erythrite itself has not been an economically important mineral, but the prospector may use it as a guide to associated cobalt and native silver.Template:Citation needed
Erythrite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxide zone of Co–Ni–As bearing mineral deposits. It occurs in association with cobaltite, skutterudite, symplesite, roselite-beta, scorodite, pharmacosiderite, adamite, morenosite, retgersite, and malachite.<ref name=Handbook/>
Notable localities are Cobalt, Ontario; La Cobaltera, Chile, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Joachimsthal, Czech Republic; Cornwall, England; Bou Azzer, Morocco; the Blackbird mine, Lemhi County, Idaho; Sara Alicia mine, near Alamos, Sonora, Mexico; Mt. Cobalt, Queensland and the Dome Rock copper mine, Mingary, South Australia.<ref name=Handbook/>
Other varietiesEdit
The nickel variety, annabergite, occurs as a light green nickel bloom on nickel arsenides. In addition iron, magnesium and zinc can also substitute for the cobalt position, creating three other minerals: parasymplesite (Fe), hörnesite (Mg) and köttigite (Zn).
ReferencesEdit
Further readingEdit
- Dana's Manual of Mineralogy Template:ISBN
- Manual of Mineral Science, 22nd Ed. C. Klein.Template:ISBN
- Template:Cite journal