Bieberite

bieberite

Images

Formula: Co(SO4).7H2O
Hydrated sulphate of cobalt, melanterite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 1.96 measured, 1.83 calculated
Hardness: 2
Colour: Red-pink, flesh-red; colourless to pale rose in transmitted light
Solubility: Soluble in water
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Bieberite is a secondary mineral formed by the oxidation of sulphide and arsenide ores containing cobalt, often a post-mining product; it easily dehydrates to the hexahydrate, moorhouseite (Mindat).
Associated minerals include erythrite, annabergite, pharmacolite, cobaltite and linnaeite (HOM).

Localities

The type locality is the "Im Lochborn" Copper mine, Bieber, Biebergemünd, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany.
Bieberite from the "Im Lochborn" Mine - Image

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