Spherocobaltite is a distinctive cobalt carbonate characterized by its vibrant pink to rose-red coloration. It is most often found as small globular crusts or rhombohedral crystals in the oxidation zones of cobalt deposits, making it a highly prized specimen for mineral collectors.
Is this spherocobaltite?
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 spherocobaltite with a known reference. Spherocobaltite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Spherocobaltite leaves a pinkish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Spherocobaltite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: rose-red, pink, reddish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, globular, crusts, botryoidal.
Often confused with
Spherocobaltite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spherocobaltite leaves pinkish-white, Rhodochrosite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spherocobaltite leaves pinkish-white, Calcite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Spherocobaltite leaves pinkish-white, Magnesite leaves white.
Often found alongside spherocobaltite
Minerals reported to co-occur with spherocobaltite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CoCO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pinkish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Globular, Crusts, Botryoidal
- Cleavage
- Perfect Rhombohedral
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Oxidized Zones of Cobalt-rich Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200-800 cabinet
Where rockhounds find spherocobaltite
Classic worldwide localities
- Katanga, DR Congo
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
- Schneeberg, Germany
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, oxidized zones of cobalt-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where spherocobaltite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, erythrite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, globular, crusts, botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify spherocobaltite?+
Where is spherocobaltite found?+
How much is spherocobaltite worth?+
Is spherocobaltite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like spherocobaltite?+
What minerals are found with spherocobaltite?+
What kind of rock does spherocobaltite form in?+
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Find spherocobaltite on the map
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