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Erythrite is a deeply colored reddish or pink mineral, with its distinctive color caused by its cobalt content. Erythrite is the end member of a series with Annabergite, with Erythrite being the cobalt-dominant member and Annabergite being the nickel-dominant member. Erythrite is named from the Greek erythros, red, in reference to the hue of this mineral. |
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Chemical Formula |
Co3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O) |
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Composition |
Hydrous cobalt arsenate, sometimes with some nickel
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| Variable Formula |
(Co,Ni)3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O) |
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Color |
Deep purplish-red, hot pink, light pink, dark pinkish-red; sometimes with a bluish hue. |
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Streak |
Light red to pink |
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Hardness |
1.5 - 2.5 |
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Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Large crystals are uncommon; most often as fragile radiating, acicular, or fibrous groupings and encrusting. Also botryoidal, reniform, in rounded spiky balls, earthy, and massive. Individual crystals are elongated and usually thin and bladed, with a distinctly angled termination. Crystals are often striated.
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Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
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Specific Gravity |
3.0 - 3.2 |
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Luster |
Vitreous, pearly |
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Cleavage |
1,1 |
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Fracture |
Splintery |
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Tenacity |
Sectile and slightly flexible |
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In Group |
Phosphates; Arsenates |
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Striking Features |
Color, crystal habits, and streak. |
| Environment |
As a secondary mineral that forms as an alteration of sulfides and arsenides in the oxidation zone of cobalt deposits. Also in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks.
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| Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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2 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
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Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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Erythrite is an ore of cobalt, and is an important collectors mineral.
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The classic type locality of Erythrite is the Schneeberg District, Saxony, Germany, where this mineral was found in bright radiating and acicular sprays on matrix. Until modern times, Schneeberg was considered to be the finest occurrence of this mineral. Good specimens from this locality are hard to come across today as most of the outstanding examples are in old and classic collections.
The largest Erythrite crystals ever found come from the Bou Azer district in Morocco. This region has been producing outstanding, vividly-colored masterpieces with beautiful color and form. Specific notable deposits in Bou Azer include the Aghbar Mine and the Agoudal Mine.
Other notable Erythrite occurrences are Mt. Cobalt, Queensland, Australia; the Sara Alicia Mine, near Alamos, Sonora, Mexico (hot pink fibrous acicular groups); and Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada (pink crusts, sometimes associated with Silver).
The U.S. lacks significant Erythrite occurrences. Two localities that have produced small crusts are the French Creek Mines, St. Peters, Chester County, Pennsylvania; and the the Blackbird District, Lemhi Co., Idaho.
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Due to the color and habits of Erythrite, it is is not easily confused with other minerals.
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Have a question about Erythrite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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