Cobalt arsenide and important cobalt ore. Named after Skutterud, Norway. Used in high-temperature alloys. Color: Tin-white to silver-gray. Luster: Metallic. Streak: Black. Cleavage: Poor. Hardness: 5.5-6. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Isometric Cubic. Chemical formula: CoAs₃. Specific gravity: 6.5. Formation: Forms in medium to high temperature hydrothermal veins associated with other cobalt and nickel minerals. Common geological settings: Norway, Morocco, Canada, Germany; found in hydrothermal veins. Common look-alikes and related entries: Arsenopyrite, Cobaltite, Niccolite. Specimen safety: Keep this arsenic-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:51.80586+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As) — CDC/NIOSH. Official occupational-hazard, exposure-route, symptom, and protective-equipment information for inorganic arsenic compounds.
Cobalt arsenide and important cobalt ore. Named after Skutterud, Norway. Used in high-temperature alloys.
How can you identify Skutterudite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Tin-white to silver-gray; lustre: Metallic; streak: Black; Mohs hardness: 5.5-6; cleavage: Poor; crystal system: Isometric Cubic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Skutterudite form?
Forms in medium to high temperature hydrothermal veins associated with other cobalt and nickel minerals.
Where is Skutterudite commonly found?
Norway, Morocco, Canada, Germany; found in hydrothermal veins.
Is Skutterudite safe to handle?
Keep this arsenic-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Skutterudite commonly confused with?
Skutterudite may be confused with Arsenopyrite, Cobaltite, Niccolite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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