What is Wairauite?
Wairauite is a rare cobalt-iron alloy mineral, found as tiny grains in unusual ultramafic and metamorphic environments.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: CoFe. Wairauite has a cubic alloy structure. COD 9004229 provides an exact CoFe structural reference; natural grains are commonly microscopic and compositionally informative. Wairauite is classified with native elements and alloys and has cubic crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 5–6 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 7.5–8.0.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include silver-grey, grey, black. The usual granular, massive, disseminated habit and metallic, sub-metallic lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Wairauite forms in or is associated with serpentinised ultramafic rocks, metamorphic assemblages and reducing metal-rich environments. Important documented localities include New Zealand, Russia, Japan and other rare ultramafic localities.
A cobalt-iron alloy from an ultramafic rock
Wairauite is not a gemstone by size; it is a high-value reference for collectors interested in native alloys, serpentinisation and unusual reducing environments.
Collecting and care
Treat as a scientific ore specimen: avoid dust-producing work, grinding and acid testing, and keep the host rock and analytical record together.
