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, 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.
