Mineral description : Erythrite

Erythrite from Bastnäs.

Erythrite from Morocco.

Mineral class	Phosphates : Torbenite - Carnotite - Annabergite group.
Chemical formula	Co3(AsO4)2*8H2O
Crystal system	Monoclinic.
Habitus	Crystal as flattened striated blades or radiating accicular aggregates. Most commonly as crusts or earthy masses.
Cleavage	Perfect in one direction, fracture uneven.
Hardness	1.5-2.5
Density	3.07-3.18
Color	Deep purple to pale pink.
Streak	Pale pink.
Luster	Adamantine to vitreous or pearly (on cleavages).
Description
Occurance	Forms in cobalt veins that's been altered by oxidising, either in air or by circulating fluids.
Associates	Cobalt minerals as cobaltite, skutterudite
Notes	Soluble in hydrochloric acid creating a pink solution. Changes color to blue when heated.
Locations	Less common mineral in Sweden. Los mining district, Hälsingland. Gladhammargruvan, Småland. Lövåsen mine, Dalarna. Bolidengruvan, Västerbotten. Tunaberg mine, Södermanland. Bastnäs, Riddarhyttan, Västmanland. As pinkish crusts on weathered stones.

To phosphates index.

Mineral group index.

Main index.

If you have some questions, suggestions or comments you are welcome to write me a line or two.