Erythrite is a magenta deep red colored mineral. Its distinctive color is caused by its cobalt content. Erythrite is a secondary hydrated cobalt arsenate mineral. Large crystals on specimens are very uncommon. Individual crystals are normally elongated, thin and bladed with a distinct angled termination. Crystals are often striated. Most Erythrite occurs as radiating acicular, concretions, or masses in the oxidized zone of cobalt and nickel deposits.

Its structure is similar to Annabergite which has nickel replacing cobalt in the Erythrite structure. As the nickel content increases, the color progressively changes from red to the apple green Annabergite color. Erythrite was first found in 1832 in Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany and gets its name from the Greek word “erythros” (which means red). Erythrite, or "Cobalt Bloom" as it is called by miners has a very noticeable bright red-purple color that was used to spot veins of cobalt-bearing ore. You may hear some collectors refer to Erythrite as “Red Cobalt” which is an incorrect slang term.

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Joachimsthal, Czech Republic; Cornwall, England; Bou Azzer, Morocco; Lemhi County, Idaho; Sonora, Mexico; Mt. Cobalt, Queensland and Mingary, South Australia. Most Erythrite in these localities is found in the form of crusts, but specimens from Morocco have larger crystals.

Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Item # 1ERY09166552

Large Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco

$59.00

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Here's a rare and exceptional display specimen of large Erythrite crystals in matrix from Bou Azzer, Morocco. This has been in our personal collection for about 15 years. This is a rare specimen of beautiful crimson red Erythrite large crystals showing the classic angled termination and striations. Photos taken outdoors with a Nikon Coolpix L1.

This specimen weighs 1.3 oz (39g) and measures 1.7 x 1 x 0.8 inches (45 x 26 x 22mm)

Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco
Item # 2ERY09164842

Erythrite Crystals on matrix from Morocco

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Here's a very nice display specimen of two formations of Erythrite crystals in matrix from Bou Azzer, Morocco. This has been in our personal collection for about 15 years. This is a larger size specimen of beautiful crimson red Erythrite crystals in two areas on the matrix.

Specimen weighs 10.4 oz or 0.65 lb (297g) and measures 2.8 x 2.7 x 1.8 inches (7.2 x 6.9 x 4.7cm)