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 — that is 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?+
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Find cobaltoblödite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
