Cobaltzippeite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing deposits. Collectors prize it for its vibrant orange-red color and bright fluorescence under UV light, though its radioactivity necessitates careful handling and storage.
Is this cobaltzippeite?
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 cobaltzippeite with a known reference. Cobaltzippeite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cobaltzippeite leaves a yellow-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobaltzippeite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, reddish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular to lath-like crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Cobaltzippeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cobaltzippeite leaves yellow-orange, Zippeite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cobaltzippeite leaves yellow-orange, Johannite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Cobaltzippeite and vitreous on Johannite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cobaltzippeite leaves yellow-orange, Liebigite leaves pale yellow; luster reads pearly on Cobaltzippeite and vitreous on Liebigite.
Often found alongside cobaltzippeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobaltzippeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Co(UO₂)₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow-orange
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Lath-like Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV Light
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find cobaltzippeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Temple Mountain, Utah, USA
- Happy Jack Mine, Utah, USA
- Eureka mine, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium deposits country, the host setting where cobaltzippeite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, uranyl sulfates, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to lath-like crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is cobaltzippeite worth?+
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Find cobaltzippeite on the map
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