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, so Cobaltneustädtelite leaves pale green, Mixite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Cobaltneustädtelite and vitreous on Mixite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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?+
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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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