Cobaltite

Cobaltite is a sulfide , arsenic S and variable amounts of nickel Structurally, it resembles pyrite (FeS2) with one of the sulfur atoms replaced by an arsenic atom.

Although rare, it is mined as a significant source of the strategically important metal cobalt incrustations of erythrite , are common.

The name is from the German, Kobold, "underground spirit" in allusion to the "refusal" of cobaltiferous ores to smelt as they are expected to.

It occurs in high-temperature hydrothermal deposits and contact metamorphic rocks. It occurs in association with magnetite , chalcopyrite, zoisite, and calcite

It is found chiefly in Sweden , Germany, La Cobaltera, Chile, Australia , the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cobaltite can be separated from other minerals by selective, pH controlled, flotation methods, where cobalt recovery usually involves hydrometallurgy. It can also be processed with pyrometallurgical