Minerals
Bieberite
bieberite
CoSO4·7H2O
Bieberite: Mineral information, data and localities. — via www.mindat.org · Source
Overview
Bieberite (CoSO4 · 7H2O) is a pinkish red colored sulfate mineral high in cobalt content. The name is derived from the type locality at the copper deposit in Bieber, Hesse, Germany. It has been described and reported as far back as the 1700s. Bieberite primarily occurs as a secondary mineral, forming in cobalt-bearing arsenide and sulfide deposits through oxidation. Natural bieberite crystals may have a small amount of cobalt lattice sites instead occupied by magnesium and copper (Palache et al., 1960).
Identification characteristics
- Mohs hardness 2