Aplowite is a rare secondary cobalt sulfate mineral typically found as crusts or powdery efflorescences in mine workings. Because it is highly soluble and dehydration-prone, specimens should be stored in airtight containers to prevent breakdown into other sulfate phases.
Is this aplowite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aplowite with a known reference. Aplowite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aplowite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aplowite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, pale pink, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to crusty, rare micro-crystals.
Often confused with
Aplowite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside aplowite
Minerals reported to co-occur with aplowite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Co,Ni,Mn)SO₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Crusty, Rare Micro-crystals
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Cobalt-nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find aplowite
Classic worldwide localities
- Greece
- Germany
- Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of cobalt-nickel sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where aplowite typically forms. If you start seeing epsomite, retgersite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to crusty, rare micro-crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aplowite?+
Where is aplowite found?+
How much is aplowite worth?+
What rocks look like aplowite?+
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Find aplowite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
