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Chemical Formula |
CoAs2
The above is the formula of pure Safflorite. However, since it usually occurs with some iron replacing the zinc, its formula is more accurately described as (Co,Fe)As2. |
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Composition |
Cobalt arsenate, usually with iron, sometimes with some nickel. If the cobalt (Co) is replaced by more than 50% nickel (Ni), the mineral is not Safflorite, but Rammelsbergite, and if it is replaced by more than 50% iron (Fe), the mineral is Loellingite. |
| Variable Formula |
(Co,Fe)As2
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Color |
Silver-white. Tarnishes dark gray. |
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Streak |
Black |
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Hardness |
4.5 - 5.5 |
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Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Occurs only in very small tabular crystals, which are usually twinned and compacted together. Also occurs massive, grainy, fibrous, dendritic, radial, and in coxcomb aggregates. |
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Transparency |
Opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
7.0 - 7.3 |
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Luster |
Metallic |
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Cleavage |
Indiscernible |
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Fracture |
Conchoidal |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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In Group |
Sulfides; Arsenides |
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Striking Features |
Color and tarnish, crystal habits, hardness |
| Environment |
Occurs in hydrothermal veins of moderate temperature and pressure, often in Silver deposits. |
| Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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4 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
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Demand (1-3) |
3 |
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Safflorite is a rare mineral with few occurrences. It was found in Germany in Wittichen, Black Forest, Baden-Wurttemberg; and in Schlema-Hartenstein and Schneeberg, in the Erzgebirge, Saxony. It was also found in the Lill Mine, Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic;
Bou Azzer, Morocco; the Castle and O'Brien Mines, Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada; and the Olafsen Iron Mine, Hereford Township, Berks Co., Pennsylvania.
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Arsenopyrite - Greater hardness.
Skutterudite, Loellingite, and Rammelsbergite - Greater hardness.
Pyrite, Marcasite, and Pyrhottite - Occurs in different crystals, more yellow in color.
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