Cobalttsumcorite is a rare secondary mineral belonging to the Tsumcorite group, characterized by its distinct pink to violet-pink coloration. It is typically found as small, tabular crystals or crusts within the oxidized zones of metal-rich ore deposits, most famously at the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia.
Is this cobalttsumcorite?
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 cobalttsumcorite with a known reference. Cobalttsumcorite 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. Cobalttsumcorite leaves a light pink streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobalttsumcorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink, violet-pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Cobalttsumcorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cobalttsumcorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobalttsumcorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb(Co,Fe³⁺)₂(AsO₄)₂(OH,H₂O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Pink
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find cobalttsumcorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where cobalttsumcorite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumebite, arsenates, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cobalttsumcorite?+
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How much is cobalttsumcorite worth?+
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What rocks look like cobalttsumcorite?+
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Find cobalttsumcorite on the map
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