Cobaltite
A variety of Cobaltite Group
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
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cobaltite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cobaltite Localities Map
See where Cobaltite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Cobaltite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic, Cobalt.
- ⚠️Arsenic, Cobalt
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle cobaltite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing cobaltite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store cobaltite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Reddish silver white, violet steel gray, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5
- Density
- 6.335 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CoAsS
- Elements
- As, Co, S
Also Known As
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Cobaltite FAQs
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.
