Cobaltoan Calcite

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Pink cobalt-bearing Calcite is one of the rarest forms of this ordinarily very common mineral species. Not only is it rare, but it is attractive too - but only if you like the colour pink. Of the leading places where it is found, both are in Africa - Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo - with the latter certainly having produced not only the finest crystals, but also the richest intensity in colour too. The mines at Kolwezi in what is known as the Katanga Copper Crescent have been operating for over 70 years, mainly for copper, but rich cobalt ores occur in association and lead to some stunning associated secondary species. This beautiful vibrant pink Cobaltoan Calcite specimen presents a quite different crystal form than usually seen in the pink Calcite, more of a platy, or bladed habit, but with a great glassy lustre and with no obvious damage on its display surface. The 'damage' factor is a key one here, with very few undamaged pieces of this beautiful variety of Calcite reaching the collector market. Very large miniature in size, the intensity of its colour means that this piece will stand out very well in a display cabinet.