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Chemical Formula | CoAs2 This is the formula for pure Safflorite. However, since it usually occurs with some iron replacing the cobalt, its formula is scientifically recognized 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. |
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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 | 4½ - 5½ |
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Orthorhombic) Occurs only in very small tabular crystals, which are usually twinned and compacted together. Also occurs massive, grainy, fibrous, 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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All About | Safflorite belongs to the Loellingite
group, which is a group of chemically related isomorphous minerals. They are all rare
minerals, and only a few of the more common ones are
discussed in this guide. Other members discussed in this
guide are Loellingite and Rammelsbergite. Safflorite oxidizes to form Erythrite. |
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Striking Features | Color and tarnish, crystal habits, hardness |
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Popularity (1-4) | 4 |
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Prevalence (1-3) | 3 |
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Demand (1-3) | 3 |
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Arsenopyrite - harder (5½ - 6) Skutterudite, Loellingite, and Rammelsbergite - harder Pyrite, Marcasite, and Pyrhottite - occur in different crystals, more yellow in color |
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Commonly Occurs With |
Arsenic, Erythrite, Calcite |
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Noteworthy Localities |
Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Javornik, Czechoslovakia; and Oregon |
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Picture Icon Links |
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Picture Links | Sorry. No Images currently available. |
