Cobaltneustädtelite is a very rare member of the mixite group that primarily occurs as fine needle-like crystals or radial sprays. It is typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal veins and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its rarity.
Is this cobaltneustädtelite?
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 cobaltneustädtelite with a known reference. Cobaltneustädtelite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cobaltneustädtelite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobaltneustädtelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, blackish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Cobaltneustädtelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cobaltneustädtelite leaves pale green, Mixite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Cobaltneustädtelite and vitreous on Mixite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cobaltneustädtelite leaves pale green, Parnauite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Cobaltneustädtelite and vitreous on Parnauite.
Often found alongside cobaltneustädtelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobaltneustädtelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbBi(Co,Ni,Fe)(AsO₄)₂(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-mount or thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find cobaltneustädtelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Neustädtel (Schneeberg), Saxony, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic veins country — that is the host setting where cobaltneustädtelite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, bismuth, pharmacosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cobaltneustädtelite?+
Where is cobaltneustädtelite found?+
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What rocks look like cobaltneustädtelite?+
What minerals are found with cobaltneustädtelite?+
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Find cobaltneustädtelite on the map
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