Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonArsenates
Erythrite
Co₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
This specimen features vibrant, deep pink to reddish-purple erythrite crystals, likely forming radiating or acicular aggregates, exhibiting a distinct pearly to vitreous luster.
Erythrite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
pearlyStreak Color
pale red to pinkCleavage
perfect on {010}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.06Colors
crimson, peach-red, pink, violet-redTransparency
transparentType Locality
Daniel Mine (St. Daniel Mine), Neustädtel, Schneeberg District, Erzgebirge, Saxony, GermanyMineral Group
ArsenatesUses
collector, minor_cobalt_oreAssociated Minerals
cobaltite, skutterudite, annabergite, native bismuth, arsenopyrite, scoroditeRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Erythrite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of cobalt-bearing hydrothermal deposits, typically as an alteration product of primary cobalt arsenide minerals. Its presence often indicates the weathering of such primary ores.
