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, 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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What rocks look like moorhouseite?+
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Find moorhouseite on the map
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