Eritrina Acicular
Eritrina is a mineral with formula Co₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O, in the Arseniatos group. This specimen comes from Agoudal, Bou Azzer, Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos.
Description
Magenta tufts on an earthy matrix; velvety appearance, subdued lustre.
History of this specimen
Marcos guided me so I would not let that large specimen slip away; it is now worth more than double.
About Eritrina
Acicular erythrite, or "cobalt bloom," is a hydrated arsenate that typically displays eye-catching pink or purplish hues. This acicular variety is less common than the classic tabular form. It forms velvety botryoidal aggregates, like the ones on this piece, with a silky appearance and uniform coverage. It is an excellent visual indicator of the presence of cobalt in a deposit.
About the locality
Bou Azzer is the only mining district in the world where cobalt has been mined as the principal ore. Erythrites from this area are distinguished by their vivid colouration, multiple crystal habits, and associations with other arsenates. Although it remains in limited production, specimens with well-defined aesthetics are increasingly sought after.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0054
- Composition
- Co₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Name
- Eritrina
- Variety
- Acicular
- Group
- Arseniatos
- Category
- Asteris Explosio
- Matrix
- Matriz terrosa
- Mine
- Agoudal
- District / Municipality
- Bou Azzer
- Province
- Ouarzazate
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 5 x 4 x 3
- Ex-collection
- Marcos López
- Etymology
- From the Greek "eruthrós" ("red"), in reference to its characteristic colour.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Goethita (Botroidal) — Marruecos
- Malaquita (Fibrosa) — Marruecos
- Vanadinita — Marruecos
- Eritrina (Punta de lanza) — Marruecos
- Pirolusita (Pseudomorfa parcial tras manganita) — Marruecos
- Malaquita (Pseudomorfa tras Azurita) — Marruecos
- Vanadinita — Marruecos
- Vanadinita — Marruecos