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Clinosafflorite

A valid IMA mineral species
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02610390017360473783756.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Bou Azzer mining district, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
08119160017360473787326.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Aghbar, Tansifte Caïdat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
04730900017271922245164.jpg
Clinosafflorite

Glasberg quarry, Nieder-Beerbach, Mühltal, Darmstadt-Dieburg, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
09240910017271922203300.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Bou Azzer mining district, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
07954210017272249979726.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Aghbar, Tansifte Caïdat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
00760960017271922151054.jpg
Clinosafflorite

Glasberg quarry, Nieder-Beerbach, Mühltal, Darmstadt-Dieburg, Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany
09240910017271922203300.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Bou Azzer mining district, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
00338090017360473801121.jpg
Clinosafflorite, etc.

Aghbar, Tansifte Caïdat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
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About ClinosaffloriteHide

Formula:
CoAs2
May contain minor Fe and/or Ni replacing Co (but not as much as safflorite).
Colour:
Tin-white
Lustre:
Metallic
Hardness:
4½ - 5
Specific Gravity:
7.46 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
In reference to being the monoclinic (clino) dimorph of safflorite.
Dimorph of:
Safflorite
"Chemical analyses of various natural and synthetic [safflorite] samples reveal that Pnnm safflorite always contains some amounts of Fe and Ni, whereas materials with 80–100% (mole) CoAs2 crystallize in monoclinic P21/c symmetry [= clinosafflorite] (Holmes, 1947; Swanson et al., 1966; Radcliffe & Berry, 1971)." (Yang et al., 2008).


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
1083
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1083:8

IMA Classification of ClinosaffloriteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Co3+(As2)3-
Approval year:
1970
First published:
1971

Classification of ClinosaffloriteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
2.EB.15a

2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
E : Metal Sulfides, M: S <= 1:2
B : M:S = 1:2, with Fe, Co, Ni, PGE, etc.
Dana 8th ed.:
2.12.4.6

2 : SULFIDES
12 : AmBnXp, with (m+n):p = 1:2
Hey's CIM Ref.:
3.10.11

3 : Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides and Bismuthides (except the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au, which are included in Section 1)
10 : Sulphides etc. of Co

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
CsafIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Pronunciation of ClinosaffloriteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of ClinosaffloriteHide

Lustre:
Metallic
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Tin-white
Hardness:
4½ - 5 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=719 - 875 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Density:
7.46 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of ClinosaffloriteHide

Reflectivity:
WavelengthR1 (%)R2 (%)
400nm50.7%54.8%
420nm55.0%59.8%
440nm55.1%59.0%
460nm55.3%58.0%
480nm55.5%57.1%
500nm55.6%56.3%
520nm55.4%55.6%
540nm54.5%55.4%
560nm53.8%55.2%
580nm53.0%54.9%
600nm52.4%54.5%
620nm51.9%54.2%
640nm51.4%53.5%
660nm50.9%53.3%
680nm50.6%52.9%
700nm50.4%52.6%


Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 59.8%.
R1 shown in black, R2 shown in red

Chemistry of ClinosaffloriteHide

Mindat Formula:
CoAs2

May contain minor Fe and/or Ni replacing Co (but not as much as safflorite).
Element Weights:
Element% weight
As71.772 %
Co28.228 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
As, Co - search for minerals with similar chemistry
Common Impurities:
S

Crystallography of ClinosaffloriteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.04 Å, b = 5.862 Å, c = 3.139 Å
β = 90.13°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.86 : 1 : 0.535
Unit Cell V:
92.74 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Fine-grained intergrowths.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0011927ClinosaffloriteKjekshus A (1971) On the properties of binary compounds with the CoSb2 type crystal structure Acta Chemica Scandinavica 25 411-4221971synthetic0293
0012119ClinosaffloriteDarmon R, Wintenberger M (1966) Structure cristalline de CoAs2 Bulletin de la Societe Francaise de Mineralogie et de Cristallographie 89 213-21519660293
0012118ClinosaffloriteDarmon R, Wintenberger M (1966) Structure cristalline de CoAs2 Bulletin de la Societe Francaise de Mineralogie et de Cristallographie 89 213-21519660293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.531 Å(100)
2.427 Å(80)
2.422 Å(80)
2.671 Å(40)
2.657 Å(40)
1.865 Å(30)
1.656 Å(30)
Comments:
Cobalt, Ontario, Canada (Radcliffe and Berry, 1971).

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
High-? alteration and/or metamorphism
33 : Minerals deposited by hydrothermal metal-rich fluids (see also [#12])
Geological Setting:
In hydrothermal veins

Type Occurrence of ClinosaffloriteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Cobalt area, Cobalt-Gowganda region, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada
General Appearance of Type Material:
Intimately intergrown with skutterudite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Department of Geological Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, number 1B20.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Hydrothermal Co-Ni-As veins.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Skutterudite

Synonyms of ClinosaffloriteHide

Other Language Names for ClinosaffloriteHide

Relationship of Clinosafflorite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Löllingite Group
Other Members of Löllingite Group:
AlloclasiteCo1-xFexAsSMon. 2 : P21
AnduoiteRuAs2Orth.
CostibiteCoSbSOrth. mm2 : Pmn21
LöllingiteFeAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
NisbiteNiSb2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
OeniteCoSbAsOrth.
OmeiiteOsAs2Orth.
ParacostibiteCoSbSOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
PararammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
RammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
Safflorite(Co,Ni,Fe)As2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
'UM1998-01-AsSb:CoFeNi'(Fe,Ni)SbAs

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
24 photos of Clinosafflorite associated with SkutteruditeCoAs3
5 photos of Clinosafflorite associated with CattieriteCoS2
3 photos of Clinosafflorite associated with CalciteCaCO3
2 photos of Clinosafflorite associated with Native SilverAg
1 photo of Clinosafflorite associated with RoseliteCa2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O
1 photo of Clinosafflorite associated with PyrargyriteAg3SbS3

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

2.EB.SelenolauriteRuSe2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.AndrieslombaarditeRhSbSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.Iridarsenite(Ir,Ru)As2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.Kanatzidisite(SbBiS3)2Te2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
2.EB.05aVaesiteNiS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aHaueriteMnS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aLauriteRuS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aGaotaiiteIr3Te8Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aPenroseite(Ni,Co,Cu)Se2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aFukuchiliteCu3FeS8Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aVillamanínite(Cu,Ni,Co,Fe)S2Tric.
2.EB.05aErlichmaniteOsS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aSperrylitePtAs2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aGeversitePtSb2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aCattieriteCoS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aAurostibiteAuSb2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aTrogtaliteCoSe2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05a v'Cayeuxite'
2.EB.05aKruťaiteCuSe2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aPyriteFeS2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aInsizwaitePtBi2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.05bBambollaiteCu(Se,Te)2Tet.
2.EB.05aDzharkeniteFeSe2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.10aMarcasiteFeS2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10eParacostibiteCoSbSOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
2.EB.10fOeniteCoSbAsOrth.
2.EB.10ePararammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
2.EB.10aMattagamiteCoTe2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aFrohbergiteFeTe2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10dCostibiteCoSbSOrth. mm2 : Pmn21
2.EB.10bAlloclasiteCo1-xFexAsSMon. 2 : P21
2.EB.10cGlaucodot(Co0.50Fe0.50)AsSOrth. mm2 : Pmn21
2.EB.10aPetříčekiteCuSe2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aKulleruditeNiSe2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aFerroseliteFeSe2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15bSeinäjokiteFeSb2Orth.
2.EB.15aRammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15cPaxiteCuAs2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.15aNisbiteNiSb2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aLöllingiteFeAs2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aSafflorite(Co,Ni,Fe)As2Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aOmeiiteOsAs2Orth.
2.EB.15aAnduoiteRuAs2Orth.
2.EB.20ArsenopyriteFeAsSMon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.20Ruarsite(Ru,Os)AsSMon.
2.EB.20Osarsite(Os,Ru)AsSMon.
2.EB.20GudmunditeFeSbSMon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.25MayingiteIrBiTeIso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25MaslovitePtBiTeIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25ParagersdorffiteNi(As,S)2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25OrthogersdorffiteNiAsSOrth. mm2 : Pca21
2.EB.25SulfopadmaitePdBiSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25JolliffeiteNiAsSeIso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25CobaltiteCoAsSOrth. mm2 : Pca21
2.EB.25GuixiangiteNiBiSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25TestibiopalladitePdSbTeIso.
2.EB.25 va'Antimony-bearing Gersdorffite'Ni(As,Sb)S
2.EB.25KalungaitePdAsSeIso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25Hollingworthite(Rh,Pt,Pd)AsSIso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25MicheneritePdBiTeIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25GersdorffiteNiAsSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25MilotaitePdSbSeIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25TolovkiteIrSbSIso.
2.EB.25'Platarsite'Pt(As,S)2Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.25WillyamiteCoSbS
2.EB.25ChangchengiteIrBiSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25KvačekiteNiSbSeIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25KrutoviteNiAs2Iso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25PadmaitePdBiSeIso. 432
2.EB.25UllmanniteNiSbSIso. 23 : P213
2.EB.25Irarsite(Ir,Ru,Rh,Pt)AsSIso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3
2.EB.30UrvantsevitePd(Bi,Pb)2Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
2.EB.35RheniiteReS2Tric. 1 : P1

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for ClinosaffloriteHide

References for ClinosaffloriteHide

Localities for ClinosaffloriteHide

Showing 32 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Canada (TL)
 
  • Ontario
    • Timiskaming District
      • Cobalt-Gowganda region
159-161. +2 other references
Traill (1983)
          • Gillies Limit
Robert C. Smith
China
 
  • Xinjiang
    • Hami Prefecture (Kumul Prefecture; Qumul Prefecture)
      • Yizhou District
Huang et al. (2025)
Czech Republic
 
  • Karlovy Vary Region
    • Karlovy Vary District
Hloušek et al. (2002)
Finland
 
  • North Ostrobothnia
    • Raahe
Hector et al. (2023)
    • Ylivieska
Hector et al. (2023)
  • Southwest Finland
    • Somero
Eilu (2003)
France
 
  • Grand Est
    • Haut-Rhin
      • Colmar-Ribeauvillé
        • Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines
          • Neuenberg
Wittern et al. (1997)
Pierre et Terre 1982
De Bondt (n.d.)
Germany
 
  • Hesse
    • Darmstadt
      • Darmstadt-Dieburg
        • Mühltal
          • Nieder-Beerbach
    • Kassel Region
      • Hersfeld-Rotenburg
        • Nentershausen
          • Süß
            • Richelsdorf Smelter
Weiß (1990)
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Südliche Weinstraße
      • Annweiler am Trifels
        • Waldhambach
www.mgas.de (2006)
  • Saarland
    • Merzig-Wadern
      • Beckingen
        • Reimsbach
Thomas Kleser Collection
  • Saxony-Anhalt
Wittern (2001)
  • Saxony
    • Erzgebirgskreis
      • Aue-Bad Schlema
King (n.d.)
    • Mittelsachsen
Gerstenberg (n.d.)
Mauritania
 
  • Inchiri Region
    • Akjoujt (Akjout; Fort Repoux)
Sakellaris et al. (2008)
Kolb et al. (2006) +1 other reference
Morocco
 
  • Drâa-Tafilalet Region
Econ Geol (1997)
    • Midelt Province
      • Midelt Cercle
        • Aït Oufella Caïdat
          • Mibladen
Zaid et al. (2025)
    • Zagora Province
      • Agdz Cercle
        • Tansifte Caïdat
          • Aghbar
RocK Currier collectin
          • Aït Ahmane
Favreau et al. (2006)
          • Tamdrost
Russia
 
  • Sakha
    • Kobyaysky District
Kostin (2021)
Sweden
 
  • Värmland County
    • Filipstad
      • Nordmark mining district
        • Finnshytteberg ore field
Burke et al. (1983)
UK
 
  • England
    • Cornwall
      • St Stephen-in-Brannel
        • Downderry
www.mineral-paradise.net (n.d.)
  • Scotland
    • Clackmannanshire
      • Alva
        • Silver Glen
[J.Russell Soc 1998:23]
USA
 
  • Colorado
    • Gunnison County
      • Elk Mountain Mining District (Snowmass Mountain Mining District)
Eckel et al. (1997)
  • Nevada
    • Churchill County
      • Cottonwood Canyon
        • Bolivia
Castor et al. (2004)
    • Humboldt County
      • National Mining District
Castor et al. (2004)
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