COBALTKIESERITE Meaning and
Definition
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Cobaltkieserite is a rare mineral that belongs to the class of sulfates. Its chemical formula is written as CoSO4 · 7H2O, indicating its composition containing cobalt, sulfur, oxygen, and water molecules. The mineral is named after its chemical composition as it is a cobalt-dominant variant of the mineral kieserite.
Cobaltkieserite has a characteristic crystalline structure, typically forming as small, prismatic crystals or as massive aggregates. It is often found in association with other cobalt-bearing minerals in hydrothermal veins and as a product of low-temperature oxidation of cobalt sulfides.
Physically, cobaltkieserite usually appears as pale pink to purple in color. It has a vitreous to pearly luster on the cleavage faces, which are generally perfect in one direction. The mineral has a relatively low hardness, ranging from 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratching.
Cobaltkieserite is an interesting mineral due to its cobalt content, which gives it a distinct hue and adds value for collectors. It plays a minor role as an ore for cobalt extraction, although its economic significance is generally limited due to its rarity and occurrence in small quantities.
In summary, cobaltkieserite is a mineral characterized by its cobalt-dominant composition, crystalline structure, pink to purple color, and association with hydrothermal veins. It is valued by collectors for its color and cobalt content, but its significance as an ore for cobalt extraction is limited.
Etymology of COBALTKIESERITE
The word "cobaltkieserite" does not have a separate etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two distinct minerals: cobalt and kieserite.
The term "cobalt" is derived from the German word "kobold", meaning "goblin" or "evil spirit". It was coined by miners who believed that cobalt ores contained harmful substances that polluted other mined materials. It later became an elemental name for the metallic element with the symbol Co.
"Kieserite", on the other hand, is named after the German mineralogist Dietrich Georg von Kieser (1779-1862), who first identified it in 1846. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineral names to indicate that it is a mineral or a mineral compound.
