Cobaltneustädtelite is a very rare member of the mixite group that primarily occurs as fine needle-like crystals or radial sprays. It is typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal veins and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its rarity.
Is this cobaltneustädtelite?
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 cobaltneustädtelite with a known reference. Cobaltneustädtelite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cobaltneustädtelite leaves a light brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cobaltneustädtelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Cobaltneustädtelite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cobaltneustädtelite leaves light brown, Mixite leaves pale bluish green; luster reads adamantine on Cobaltneustädtelite and vitreous on Mixite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cobaltneustädtelite leaves light brown, Parnauite leaves greenish white; luster reads adamantine on Cobaltneustädtelite and vitreous on Parnauite.
Often found alongside cobaltneustädtelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cobaltneustädtelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbBi(Co,Ni,Fe)(AsO₄)₂(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 5.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Brown
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Veins
Where rockhounds find cobaltneustädtelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Neustädtel (Schneeberg), Saxony, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic veins country, the host setting where cobaltneustädtelite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, bismuth, pharmacosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cobaltneustädtelite?+
Where is cobaltneustädtelite found?+
Is cobaltneustädtelite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like cobaltneustädtelite?+
What minerals are found with cobaltneustädtelite?+
What kind of rock does cobaltneustädtelite form in?+
What is cobaltneustädtelite used for?+
Find cobaltneustädtelite on the map
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