Detailed information
Species
Kolwezite, Cobaltoan Calcite
Dimensions
51 x 87 x 35
mm
Weight
123 g
Locality
Mashamba West Mine Kolwezi mining district Lualaba, DR Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
Kolwezite is a very rare copper cobalt carbonate hydroxide, appearing chemically to be the cobalt-bearing equivalent of Malachite, but that is rather too simplistic as Kolwezite is structurally different - triclinic, rather than monoclinic in Malachite. Like beauty and the beast, this great combination specimen from a recent discovery at Mashamba West mine in Kolwezi mining district, balances gemmy, transparent to translucent, pale pink Cobaltoan Calcite crystals alongside dark brown, matt to silky sprays of Kolwezite. Internally, the Kolwezite is a very deep olive-green colour and has a feathery structure and it forms 'clouds' perched upon the top of several Calcite crystals. A small area of pale blue Chrysocolla is also present at one end of the piece, adding another dimension in colour.