Comparison · Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Erythrite vs Vivianite
Erythrite and Vivianite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Erythrite and Vivianite
- Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Erythrite leaves a pale pink to pale red streak on unglazed porcelain, Vivianite leaves bluish white.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Erythrite is Transparent to translucent, Vivianite is translucent.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Erythrite is Monoclinic, Vivianite is monoclinic.
Erythrite vs Vivianite properties
| Property | Erythrite | Vivianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 1.5–2.5 | 1.75 |
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage, silky | vitreous |
| Streak | Pale pink to pale red | Bluish white |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.06–3.18 | 2.68 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Pink, Crimson red, Purple-red | Blue, Green, Colorless |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$400+ |
Which is more valuable?
Vivianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $20 for Erythrite, and premium Vivianite can reach $400 or more.
About Erythrite
Erythrite is a hydrous cobalt arsenate, Co3(AsO4)2 8H2O, crystallizing in the monoclinic system with a vivid pink to crimson color that made it a prized prospecting clue. Long nicknamed cobalt bloom or cobalt flower, it forms as a secondary mineral where cobalt-bearing ores have been exposed to oxidizing, weathering conditions. Its bright coloring and soft, often earthy texture make it easy to spot even in small amounts.
About Vivianite
Vivianite is a hydrated iron phosphate that is colorless when fresh but oxidizes to deep blue and green. It forms bladed, prismatic, or fibrous crystals and earthy masses, and is a favorite of collectors for its rich color.
Erythrite vs Vivianite FAQ
Is Erythrite the same as Vivianite?
No. Erythrite is a mineral while Vivianite is a phosphate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Erythrite from Vivianite?
Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Erythrite leaves a pale pink to pale red streak on unglazed porcelain, Vivianite leaves bluish white. Hold a thin edge to the light: Erythrite is Transparent to translucent, Vivianite is translucent.
Which is harder, Erythrite or Vivianite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 1.5–2.5.
Which is more valuable, Erythrite or Vivianite?
Vivianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $20 for Erythrite, and premium Vivianite can reach $400 or more.
