Asbolane

asbolane

goethite

buserite

theophrastite

Formula: Mn⁴⁺(O,OH)₂.(Co,Ni,Mg,Ca)_x(OH)_2x.nH₂O
Hydroxide, manganese-, cobalt- and nickel- bearing mineral
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Streak: Black to brownish black
Colour: Bluish to brownish black
Common impurities: Al,Ca,Fe,Si
Environments

Residual deposits

Asbolane occurs as residual deposits on weathered peridotite containing disseminated cobalt and nickel minerals (Webmin), associated with goethite (HOM).

Asbolane from Germany has been found containing small amounts of buserite (AM 77.1144-1157).

In New Caledonia, South Pacific, asbolane is widespread in residual soils on weathered peridotite containing disseminated cobalt and nickel minerals (HOM, Dana).

At the Staropodolsky quarry, Moscow Oblast, Russia, asbolane has been found with aidyrlite (a mixture of gibbsite, opal and theophrastite (FM M31152).

At Kara-Chagyra, Uzbekistan, asbolane occurs in siliceous schist (HOM).

At the Lipov deposit, Middle Urals, Russia, a sample from the weathered crust has been found with platelets of asbolane up to several microns in diameter coated with films of goethite (AM 67.417).

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