Cobaltoan Dolomite

Unknown Owner

This pretty cabinet-sized specimen from Tenke-Fungurume area in the Kolwezi mining district, Lualaba, DR Congo derives its pink colour from Cobaltoan Dolomite which lines a large cavity making up the main face of the specimen. The host rock is grey dolomitized limestone and the initial rhombic Dolomite crystals within the cavity are orange-brown. However, it is a later generation, or a late phase within the growth of these crystals, that gives them their striking pink colour along their edges and corners. There is some very slight damage to raised areas, but this is almost impercievable to the naked eye.