$110Median
5Sold (12 mo)
$75Last sale
Safflorite specimens for sale
7 for sale · $150–$7,500 USD
12 in the gallery
Safflorite is an arsenide mineral in which cobalt, nickel, and iron occupy the same site with arsenic, forming a metallic, often dull to bright, grey to steel-colored mineral. Crystals can occur as sharp prismatic or tabular forms, and the mineral commonly displays a metallic lustre and a relatively high density. The habit is typically compact to granular, though well-formed specimens from some localities show distinct crystal faces that reflect light from multiple angles. These structural features reflect its Complex cobalt-nickel-iron arsenide chemistry.
- Formula
- (Co,Ni,Fe)As2
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Arsenide; marcasite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5–5.5
- Specific gravity
- 6.9–7.3
- Luster
- metallic
- Transparency
- opaque
- Color
- white, gray, black
- Streak
- gray, black
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, granular, massive
Buy Safflorite specimens
View all 7Where Safflorite is found
Top localities
- Langis Mine2 specimens
- Schneeberg2 specimens
- Atikokan mining area1 specimen
- Ontario1 specimen
- Shaft 3661 specimen
- St Andreasberg Mining District1 specimen
- Bou Azzer1 specimen
About Safflorite
Notable specimens come from diverse European and North African locales, with Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Morocco among classic producers, and Canadian occurrences adding to the diversity of crystal styles. The mineral tends to be collected for its metallic appearance, density, and the way it demonstrates solid solution between cobalt and nickel with iron. Collectors appreciate safflorite when it forms crisp, reflective surfaces and contrasts with surrounding minerals in arsenide-rich assemblages, making it a compelling addition to a carefully curated suite of metallic arsenides.
