Cobaltlotharmeyerite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of base metal deposits. It is best identified by its distinct orange-to-reddish-brown color and its association with other complex arsenic-bearing minerals in hydrothermal mines.
Is this cobaltlotharmeyerite?
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 cobaltlotharmeyerite with a known reference. Cobaltlotharmeyerite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cobaltlotharmeyerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobaltlotharmeyerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, red-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates or crusts.
Often confused with
Cobaltlotharmeyerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cobaltlotharmeyerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobaltlotharmeyerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCo₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.2-4.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radial Aggregates or Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find cobaltlotharmeyerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where cobaltlotharmeyerite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenates, tsumcorite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radial aggregates or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cobaltlotharmeyerite?+
Where is cobaltlotharmeyerite found?+
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What rocks look like cobaltlotharmeyerite?+
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Find cobaltlotharmeyerite on the map
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