Cobaltite

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Description

A silvery white mineral that is an important cobalt ore. Cobaltite is a combined sulfur and arsenic salt of cobalt. It is mined in Canada (Ontario), Zaire, Azerbaijan, India (Rajasthan), England, Norway, and Sweden (Tunaberg). Cobaltite has a metallic luster with a grayish black streak. It is brittle and fractures irregularly.

Synonyms and Related Terms

cobalt glance; cobaltite (Fr.); cobaltita (Esp.); Kobaltglanz (Deut.); cobaltiet (Ned.)

Risks

  • Inhalation of dust is toxic.

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Isometric crystalline system, often found as cubes.
  • Fracture = uneven; brittle.
  • Cleavage =perfect in one direction.
  • Luster = metallic.
  • Streak = grayish black.
Composition CoAsS
Mohs Hardness 5.5
Density 6-6.3 g/ml

Resources and Citations

  • Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
  • Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976
  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979

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