How do I identify Cobaltite?

Cobaltite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Reddish silver white color, Metallic luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Cobaltite?

Cobaltite typically appears in Reddish silver white, violet steel gray, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Cobaltite?

Cobaltite has a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Cobaltite

A variety of Cobaltite Group

Rare

Cobaltite specimen - rock identification

What is Cobaltite?

Cobaltite is an ore of cobalt and forms unusual crystals. The silver-gray or white-colored mineral is mined to extract its cobalt content. The crystal formations are prized by mineral collectors. Cobalt is used in producing artists’ colors, jet engines, magnets, and cutting tools. It has also been used to color glass and pottery since the time of ancient Egypt.

Uses & Applications

Cobaltite is valued as a source of cobalt (as the name suggests). Cobalt is an important metal with a wide range of applications such as electronics, jet engines, and hip replacements. Cobaltite is also sought out for mineral collections because of its rarity.

Healing Properties

Cobaltite is believed to enhance creativity and inspire the imagination. It encourages innovative ideas and removes self-limiting thoughts to allow a person to reach their highest potential. It is often used during meditation to remove conflicting thoughts and inspire a feeling of inner peace. Its effect on the mind is believed to enable physical healing on a greater level.

Optical Properties

Pleochroism: Very weak, on grain boundaries

Cobaltite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Cobaltite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Cobaltite Localities Map

See where Cobaltite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

The Meaning

Its name meaning "goblin" or "underground spirit," cobaltite was known to Medieval miners and blacksmiths as a troublesome ore. Its reluctance to melt down and constant contamination of other ores made the smelters believe that cobaltite was bewitched and poisonous. The terrible-smelling fumes it gave off only added to the idea of this ore being wicked and evil.

Associated Chakras

Root

Heart

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Harm Reason: Cobaltite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic, Cobalt.
⚠️Heavy Metal: Arsenic, Cobalt
⚠️How to prevent the risks of Cobaltite?