Cobaltoblödite is a rare cobalt-bearing sulfate typically found as an efflorescence in arid environments. Collectors should look for its characteristic violet-pink color, which distinguishes it from the more common, colorless to greenish-yellow blödite.
Is this cobaltoblödite?
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 cobaltoblödite with a known reference. Cobaltoblödite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cobaltoblödite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobaltoblödite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: violet, pink, purple.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often as crusts or efflorescences.
Often confused with
Cobaltoblödite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cobaltoblödite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobaltoblödite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Co(SO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often as Crusts or Efflorescences
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Arid Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find cobaltoblödite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chile
- Argentina
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in arid evaporite deposits country, the host setting where cobaltoblödite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, halite, thenardite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often as crusts or efflorescences habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cobaltoblödite?+
Where is cobaltoblödite found?+
How much is cobaltoblödite worth?+
What rocks look like cobaltoblödite?+
What minerals are found with cobaltoblödite?+
What kind of rock does cobaltoblödite form in?+
What is cobaltoblödite used for?+
Find cobaltoblödite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
