RocksdayAnnabergite
Annabergite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2.5 and a pearly to vitreous luster, usually green.
Apple-green nickel arsenate, the nickel version of pink erythrite. It stains rock where nickel ores weather.
How to identify annabergite
- Pale apple-green crusts or tiny crystals.
- Very soft.
- On dark nickel ore, not the crimson of cobalt bloom.
Often confused with
Where it's found
- Annaberg, Germany
- Laurium, Greece
- Cobalt, Ontario
Uses
A prospecting clue to nickel.
Rock tumbling
Not suitable for tumbling. Contains arsenic.
Did you know?
Miners called the pink and green stains cobalt bloom and nickel bloom.
Annabergite FAQ
What is annabergite?
Annabergite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2.5 and a pearly to vitreous luster, usually green. Apple-green nickel arsenate, the nickel version of pink erythrite. It stains rock where nickel ores weather.
How do you identify annabergite?
Pale apple-green crusts or tiny crystals. Very soft. On dark nickel ore, not the crimson of cobalt bloom.
How hard is annabergite?
Annabergite has a Mohs hardness of 1.5–2.5. Annabergite is soft enough to scratch with a fingernail.
Where is annabergite found?
Notable localities include Annaberg, Germany; Laurium, Greece; and Cobalt, Ontario.
What is annabergite used for?
A prospecting clue to nickel.
Can you tumble annabergite?
It isn't a good choice for a rock tumbler. Contains arsenic.
What is annabergite often confused with?
Annabergite is most often confused with Erythrite and Malachite. Erythrite is crimson pink (cobalt), not apple green. Malachite is a harder green copper carbonate and fizzes.
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