Detailed information
Species
Calcite, var. Cobaltoan Calcite
Dimensions
72 x 81 x 44
mm
Weight
227 g
Locality
Kolwezi Mine Katanga Copper Crescent Dem. Rep. of Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
Pink Calcite is rare phenomenon, but a small number of mines in Africa: both in Morocco and the DR Congo, buck the trend. The reason is cobalt, a rare metallic element which is now much sought after for its use in powerful batteries. It is not often that Calcite crystals are found in cobalt-bearing mineral deposits, but when they are, if the geological conditions are right then traces of cobalt impart a beautiful pink colour to the Calcite. There is, however, a huge gulf in quality, with very few Cobaltoan Calcite specimens combining the right aesthetic qualities, including perfect saturation in colour and undamaged well-formed crystals. This stunning small cabinet-sized specimen from Kolwezi mine in DR Congo is one of very few which tick all of the right boxes. None of the crystals reach more than 1 cm in length, but the combination of superb gemmy, pale pink, transparent, sharp, dog-tooth Calcite crystals completely lining a vug just works so well. To add to its charm the pink colour intensifies towards the tip of the crystals. The crystals are in extremely fine condition, with just a couple showing very slight wear to the tips, but this is only visible under high magnification.