Erythrite
Erythrite is a phosphate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.
About Erythrite
Erythrite belongs to the phosphate class in the vivianite group and has the chemical formula Co3(AsO4)2·8H2O. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is relatively soft, requiring careful handling. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Erythrite typically forms prismatic, acicular crystals; stellate rosette groups; reniform; earthy 'cobalt bloom'. Its color range is broad, including vivid crimson, magenta, rose pink, and purplish red (one of mineralogy's most spectacular colors). The luster is adamantine, vitreous, pearly, silky, the streak is pale rose red, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {010}. The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
In terms of geology, Erythrite forms in oxidized zone of cobalt and nickel arsenide deposits; 'cobalt bloom' indicates cobalt mineralization to miners. It is commonly found in association with smaltite, skutterudite, native silver, annabergite (ni analog), calcite, malachite.
Classic Chinese localities
Erythrite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Yunnan, Jiangxi, Qinghai.
Why collectors care
Collectors pursue Erythrite for the clarity of its crystal form and, in good material, saturated color that reads instantly across a display case. A well-terminated erythrite on clean matrix photographs well, identifies quickly, and anchors a cabinet piece. Top Chinese specimens over the last two decades have reset the bar for what erythrite looks like at collector grade.
What affects value
Value in Erythrite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Erythrite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.