Spherocobaltite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Spherocobaltite
Formula:
CoCO3
Colour:
Most commonly dark magenta red; sometimes brownish red, greyish red, or velvet-black (due to surface alteraton)
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Waxy
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
4.13
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named by Albin Weisbach in 1877 from Greek "sphaira", sphere, plus cobalt, alluding to its habit and composition.
Calcite Group.
Often confused with cobalt-bearing calcite or cobalt-bearing dolomite.
Note: This is the correct and approved IMA spelling ("sphaerocobaltite" is incorrect). Palache, Berman, and Frondel (1954) list this species as "cobaltocalite" and a confusion is common between the former "cobaltocalcite" and "cobalt-bearing calcite".
Often confused with cobalt-bearing calcite or cobalt-bearing dolomite.
Note: This is the correct and approved IMA spelling ("sphaerocobaltite" is incorrect). Palache, Berman, and Frondel (1954) list this species as "cobaltocalite" and a confusion is common between the former "cobaltocalcite" and "cobalt-bearing calcite".
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3726
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3726:2
IMA Classification of Spherocobaltite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Co2+CO3
Classification of Spherocobaltite
5.AB.05
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
B : Alkali-earth (and other M2+) carbonates
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
B : Alkali-earth (and other M2+) carbonates
14.1.1.5
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
11.14.1
11 : Carbonates
14 : Carbonates of Co and Ni
11 : Carbonates
14 : Carbonates of Co and Ni
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Scbt | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Spherocobaltite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Most commonly dark magenta red; sometimes brownish red, greyish red, or velvet-black (due to surface alteraton)
Streak:
Magenta, red, "peach blossom red"
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
On {101¯1} (?)
On {101¯1} (?)
Density:
4.13 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.21 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Spherocobaltite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.855 nε = 1.600
Birefringence:
0.255
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.255
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Dichroic: O = violet-red; E = rose-red.
Chemistry of Spherocobaltite
Mindat Formula:
CoCO3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ca,Ni,Fe,O
Crystallography of Spherocobaltite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m(32/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3c
Setting:
R3c
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.658 Å, c = 14.958 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 3.211
Unit Cell V:
281.06 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
6
Morphology:
Crystals rare. Occurs commonly as small spherical masses with a crystalline surface and concentric and radiated structure; as crusts.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010021 | Spherocobaltite | Pertlik F (1986) Structures of hydrothermally synthesized cobalt(II) carbonate and nickel(II) carbonate Acta Crystallographica C42 4-5 |  | 1986 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0000104 | Spherocobaltite | Graf D L (1961) Crystallographic tables for the rhombohedral carbonates American Mineralogist 46 1283-1316 |  | 1961 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.55 Å | (40) |
| 2.74 Å | (100) |
| 2.33 Å | (20) |
| 2.11 Å | (20) |
| 1.948 Å | (20) |
| 1.702 Å | (30) |
| 1.697 Å | (30) |
| 1.495 Å | (10) |
Comments:
ICDD 11-692 (synthetic)
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) |
Geological Setting:
Cobalt deposits with oxidised zones containing carbonates.
Type Occurrence of Spherocobaltite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In Co-Ni veins
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Spherocobaltite
Other Language Names for Spherocobaltite
Dutch:Spherocobaltiet
French:Sphérocobaltite
Russian:Сферокобальтит
Simplified Chinese:菱钴矿
Spanish:Sphaerocobaltita
Relationship of Spherocobaltite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Calcite Group:
| Calcite | CaCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Gaspéite | NiCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Magnesite | MgCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Otavite | CdCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Siderite | FeCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Smithsonite | ZnCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 24 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Erythrite | Co3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 18 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with 'Cobalt-bearing Dolomite' | Ca(Mg,Co)(CO3)2 |
| 12 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with 'Cobalt-bearing Calcite' | (Ca,Co)CO3 |
| 10 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 8 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Alloclasite | Co1-xFexAsS |
| 7 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Cobaltlotharmeyerite | CaCo2(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 6 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Carrollite | CuCo2S4 |
| 5 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 4 photos of Spherocobaltite associated with Kolwezite | CuCo(CO3)(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.AB.05 | Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Smithsonite | ZnCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Gaspéite | NiCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Magnesite | MgCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Otavite | CdCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 va | 'Parakutnohorite' | |
| 5.AB.10 | Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Minrecordite | CaZn(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Škáchaite | CaCo(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Ankerite | Ca(Fe2+,Mg)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Kutnohorite | CaMn2+(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.15 | Aragonite | CaCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Witherite | BaCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Strontianite | SrCO3 |
| 5.AB.20 | Vaterite | CaCO3 |
| 5.AB.25 | Huntite | CaMg3(CO3)4 |
| 5.AB.30 | Norsethite | BaMg(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.35 | Alstonite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.40 | Paralstonite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.40 | Olekminskite | Sr(Sr,Ca,Ba)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.45 | Barytocalcite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.50 | Carbocernaite | (Ca,Na)(Sr,Ce,Ba)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.55 | Benstonite | Ba6Ca6Mg(CO3)13 |
| 5.AB.60 | Juangodoyite | Na2Cu(CO3)2 |
Fluorescence of Spherocobaltite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
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 Spherocobaltite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3726.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Spherocobaltite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.135
Palache, Charles; Berman, Harry; Frondel, Clifford (1951) The System of Mineralogy (7th ed.) Vol. 2 - Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons.pp.175-176 - as Cobaltocalcite
Graf, Donald L. (1961) Crystallographic tables for the rhombohedral carbonates. American Mineralogist, 46 (11-12) 1283-1316
Rutt, H. N., Nicola, J. H. (1974) Raman spectra of carbonates of calcite structure. Journal of Physics C: Solid State Physics, 7 (24). 4522-4528 doi:10.1088/0022-3719/7/24/015
(1980) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. Mineralogical Magazine, 43 (332) 1053-1055 doi:10.1180/minmag.1980.043.332.17
Pertlik, F. (1986) Structures of hydrothermally synthesized cobalt(II) carbonate and nickel(II) carbonate. Acta Crystallographica Section C Crystal Structure Communications, 42 (1) 4-5 doi:10.1107/s0108270186097524
Tareen, Jalees A.K. (1991) Hydrothermal decomposition curves and thermodynamic data for spherocobaltite (CoCO3) and gaspeite (NiCO3). European Journal of Mineralogy, 3 (3). 501-506 doi:10.1127/ejm/3/3/0501
Localities for Spherocobaltite
Showing 71 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Hodge-Smith (1932) |
| Munro-Smith (2006) |
| Day et al. (1995) +3 other references |
| Bosworth et al. (2001) |
| Noble et al |
| Simpson Mineral Collection of the ... |
Canada | |
| Thirty - First Annual Report of the ... +1 other reference |
| Knight (1922) | |
| Traill (1983) | |
| Horváth et al. (2019) |
Chile | |
| samples analysed by Gerhard Mohn and ... |
China | |
| Chunyan Dong et al. (2005) |
Czech Republic | |
| Sejkora et al. (2024) |
DR Congo | |
| Lhoest (1992) |
| King (2005) +1 other reference |
| Deliens (1996) | |
| edit.africamuseum.be (n.d.) |
| Buttgenbach (1947) +1 other reference |
| Mambwe et al. (Ruashi Cu-Co Deposit) | |
| Lhoest (1992) +2 other references |
| Gauthier et al. (1999) |
| Gauthier et al. (1999) | |
| Mambwe et al. (2019) | |
| Arliguie M collection |
| L.Rantos collection | |
| Gauthier et al. (1999) | |
| Lhoest (1992) | |
| Xiangqian Li et al. (2009) |
| Sośnicka et al. (2019) |
| |
| Lhoest (1992) +1 other reference | |
| Betts (n.d.) |
| www.tenke.com (2003) | |
| Fay et al. (2012) | |
| Fay et al. (2012) | |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Mills et al. (2020) | |
| Hajek (2010) |
| [Jahrb. Berg- und Hüttenwesen (1877) +1 other reference |
| Massanek et al. (2005) | |
Greece | |
| |
Italy | |
| Adorni F. (1997) |
| Castellaro-Kampf |
| analysed by Dr. Anthony Kampf |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Pelloux (1926) +5 other references |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) | |
Japan | |
| Kato (1973) |
Mexico | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Panczner (1987) |
Morocco | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
| Praszkier (2010) | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Zipster (1817) |
Spain | |
| in Spanish version (Revista de Minerales) +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer (2000) |
Switzerland | |
| Frank Keutsch collection +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Bollin et al. (1958) +2 other references |
| Thompson et al. (1955) |
Zambia | |
| Konkola Copper Mines plc |
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Bou Azzer mining district, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco