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, 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?+
What minerals are found with cobaltlotharmeyerite?+
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Find cobaltlotharmeyerite on the map
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