Moorhouseite is a rare hydrated cobalt sulfate mineral typically found as efflorescent crusts or coatings in oxidized sulfide mines. It is characterized by its distinctive pink color and its association with other cobalt-bearing minerals like erythrite. Because it is highly soluble in water, it must be stored in a dry, sealed environment to prevent dehydration or dissolution.
Is this moorhouseite?
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 moorhouseite with a known reference. Moorhouseite 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. Moorhouseite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Moorhouseite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, efflorescent coatings, fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Moorhouseite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside moorhouseite
Minerals reported to co-occur with moorhouseite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Co,Ni,Mn)SO₄·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Efflorescent Coatings, Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Cobalt-nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small mineral specimens
Where rockhounds find moorhouseite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- Germany
- United States
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of cobalt-nickel sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where moorhouseite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, safflorite, erythrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, efflorescent coatings, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find moorhouseite on the map
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