Erythrite
(A hydrous arsenate of cobalt and nickel)
Hardness 11/2 -21/2
The vivid pink and purple colors of this sample are electrifying. The mineral colors my vary from pearly blush pink to deep purple. Erythrite is the secondary mineral, and has formed a drusy crust over the surface. Its crystals are monoclinic.
Erythrite can be found in North America in Idaho, and Ontario Canada. Morocco and Germany as well as this one from Sornora, Mexico all have fine samples of Erythrite. It is a common mineral where nickel and cobalt are found.
The Greek word erythros translates "red".
Erythrite which is colored by cobalt, is often confused with kammererite. Erythrite is somewhat lighter. The iron in kammererite gives a more obvious weight to the mineral. Compare and contrast each look-a-like specimen.
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