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Annabergite is a rare nickel mineral that can often has a bright green color. It is the
end member of a series with Erythrite, with Annabergite being the nickel-dominant member and Erythrite being the cobalt-dominant member. Annabergite often contains some cobalt in its structure. The color caused by cobalt will dominate, and will cause some Annabergite to have a purplish color even if there is less cobalt than nickel present. Annabergite is named after the locality of Annaberg, Saxony, Germany, which is a type locality for this mineral.
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Chemical Formula |
Ni3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O) |
Composition |
Hydrous nickel arsenate, often with some cobalt |
Variable Formula |
(Ni,Co)3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O) |
Color |
Bright green, apple-green, purplish-green, beige, gray, grayish-pink. |
Streak |
Light green |
Hardness |
1.5 - 2.5 |
Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
Never in large crystals; most often encrusting and in small botryoidal groups lining cavities. Also in groups of fragile radiating,
acicular, or fibrous groupings, in rounded spiky balls, earthy, and
massive. Individual microcrystals are thin and
bladed, with a distinctly angled termination and usually with growth layers or striations. |
Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
Specific Gravity |
3.0 - 3.1 |
Luster |
Vitreous, pearly. Earthy specimens may be dull. |
Cleavage |
1,1 |
Fracture |
Splintery |
Tenacity |
Slightly sectile and flexible |
In Group |
Phosphates; Arsenates |
Striking Features |
Color, crystal habits, and streak. |
Environment |
As a secondary mineral that forms as an alteration product in the oxidation zone of nickel ore and cobalt sulfide deposits.
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Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
Popularity (1-4)
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3 |
Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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Cabrerite |
Synonym of Annabergite. May also refer to the distinctly crystallized form that comes from Lavrion, Greece, or may refer to a magnesium-rich variety. Named after the Sierra Cabrera in Spain.
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Nickel Bloom |
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Annabergite is a minor ore of nickel in nickel deposits.
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Annabergite is not a common mineral. The only significant specimen locality of Annabergite is Lavrion, Greece, where it occurs in small bright-green, yet visible crystals. Other Annabergite localities include Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada; and Cottonwood Canyon, Humboldt County, Nevada.
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Due to the color, habits, and mode of occurrence of Annabergite, it is is not easily confused with other minerals.
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