Bobcookite with Ferrinatrite

Availability

Sold

Size

3 x 2.5 x 1.7 cm - Thumbnail 

Formula

NaAl(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₄·18H₂O (RRUFF)

Locality

Blue Lizard mine, Red Canyon, San Juan Co., Utah, United States

The digital photos washed out the green of the Bobcookite crystals, but they are best seen on the second and third photos. Elsewhere the yellow is mostly Ferrinatrite. Bobcookite is named for Dr. Robert Cook.

"Bob" is probably best known for his column in Rock and Minerals magazine “Connoisseur’s Choice”, which is a featured essay on a single cabinet-sized specimen thought to be the most aesthetic known for the species. This column has made a bimonthly run since 1993. The amount of research that is required for this article every other month is an incredible task. Not only is the specimen described as being the “best of” for that particular mineral, but a thorough description of the mineral’s crystallography, and physical characteristics are given. It doesn’t stop there. Bob describes all the best and classic localities for that mineral and dives into how the mineral occurs and its associations. In short, these columns are an invaluable resource for all mineral enthusiasts. If this was not enough on Bob’s plate, he also serves as executive editor for Rocks & Minerals magazine (25 years) and a professor of geology and Department head at Auburn University in Alabama (35 years). He is now professor emeritus.

Dr. Cook has authored two books: “Minerals of Georgia” a publication of the Department of Natural Resources of Georgia (1978) and Co-authored “Mineralogy of Alabama” for the Alabama Geological Survey (1982).

Of late he is currently Vice President of Exploration for “US Critical Minerals, LLC”, a company devoted to solving the US critical mineral deficiency.

Bob has consulted for the United States Department of Defense (DOD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), and the United Nations (UN) according to US Critical Minerals, LLC.

Bobcookite was published in the Mineralogical Magazine and can be read by clicking this link.

Type Locality, Signed Label