Clinosafflorite

Chemical formula: Co₃+(As₂)₃-

Clinosaflore is a cobalt arsenide, a rarer, monoclinic analogue of orthorhombic safflorite.

## Characteristics Clinosaflore is a cobalt arsenide and a monoclinic dimorph of safflorite. It usually forms compact, granular, fibrous, or radial aggregates. Well-formed crystals are rare and appear as small prisms. The mineral is characterized by a metallic luster and a color ranging from tin-white to steel-gray. In air, its surface may be covered with a grayish-black or black tarnish. ## Physical Properties The Mohs hardness of clinosaflore is 4.5-5, and its density ranges from 7.3 to 7.5 g/cm³. It is a brittle and opaque mineral. It does not exhibit cleavage, and its fracture is uneven. ## Colors and Varieties The mineral has a consistent tin-white to steel-gray color. It does not form color varieties, although its chemical composition may contain iron and nickel impurities substituting for cobalt, which, however, does not significantly affect its appearance. ## History and Name The name "clinosaflore" refers to its monoclinic crystallographic symmetry and chemical similarity to safflorite. The mineral was first described in 1959 by Paul Ramdohr and M. Schmitt. ## Applications Clinosaflore has no industrial significance and is primarily a mineral of interest to collectors and scientists. Historically, it may have been extracted along with other arsenides as a minor source of cobalt.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Density: 7.3-7.5
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Clinosaflore can be identified by its metallic luster, high density, tin-white color, and characteristic radial or fibrous aggregates. Its occurrence in association with other cobalt, nickel, and iron arsenides is also key. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Identifying clinosaflore is difficult and often requires specialized tests. It is visually indistinguishable from **safflorite**, from which it differs only in crystallographic system (monoclinic vs. orthorhombic), which can only be determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). It can also be confused with **skutterudite**, which is isometric and often forms cubic crystals, and with **löllingite** (iron arsenide), which has a very similar appearance and physical properties. ## Crystal forms Well-formed crystals are very rare and appear as prismatic or acicular forms. It most commonly occurs in radial, fibrous, granular aggregates, and as massive forms.

Geological environment

## Genesis This mineral forms under hydrothermal conditions, in ore veins of medium and low formation temperatures. It is typical for cobalt-nickel-silver-bismuth deposits. ## Mineral associations Clinosaflore often co-occurs with other arsenides, such as safflorite, skutterudite, rammelsbergite, nickeline, and löllingite. It is also accompanied by native minerals, such as silver and bismuth, and gangue minerals, mainly calcite and quartz. ## Localities Key global localities include deposits in the Bou Azzer region in Morocco, historical mines in the Cobalt-Gowganda districts in Ontario (Canada) and Schneeberg in Saxony (Germany). The type locality, from which the mineral was first described, is in Třebsko near Příbram in the Czech Republic.

Rarity

Rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria The collector's value of clinosaflore depends on several factors. Specimens with well-formed, even if small, crystals are most highly prized. Rich, radial aggregates and interesting intergrowths with other rare minerals, especially crystalline native silver, are also attractive. An important factor is also its origin from a classic, well-known locality. ## Popular localities The most valued specimens by collectors come from the Bou Azzer mining district in Morocco, which is famous for producing the world's best cobalt and nickel arsenide specimens. Historical specimens from Schneeberg, Germany, and Cobalt, Canada, are also highly regarded.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Dry cleaning is recommended, using a soft brush to remove dust. Avoid contact with water, which can accelerate oxidation processes and lead to surface tarnishing. ## What to avoid As an arsenide, clinosaflore is toxic. Avoid inhaling dust generated during its processing or cleaning. After each contact with the specimen, hands must be thoroughly washed. The mineral should be protected from moisture, chemicals, and acids. ## Storage Specimens should be stored in a dry place, preferably in a closed, airtight display box, to limit contact with air and moisture. It is essential to clearly label the mineral as toxic and keep it away from children and pets.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)