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 — Cobaltzippeite leaves yellow-orange, Zippeite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cobaltzippeite leaves yellow-orange, Johannite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Cobaltzippeite and vitreous on Johannite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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