Calcite var Cobaltian with Copper
Unknown Owner
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These very special combination specimens came out of a small pocket brought to market by Christian Gobin (http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=794) in the mid-1980s. He was the father of mineral dealers Brice and Christophe Gobin. I am told by them that only a very few specimens of this caliber were found (probably only five major pieces). Since then, one came to me in 2007 as part of the Eric Asselborn collection which was similar to this and sold/resold now a few times at quite a bit higher price. Another turned up in a major European collection a few years ago and is now permanently in a private collection. This would apparently be only the third that either they or I have seen turn up again. It is remarkable for the sheer intensity of the color of the calcite (caused by cobalt concentration), and for the rare combination with native copper. Despite that this is called the "Copper-Cobalt belt", there is very little in the way of native copper found as far as specimens are concerned. So far as I am aware, this beautiful association was found in any quality, just that one time. It is, accordingly, valued at a very high premium compared to either species alone. Joe Budd photo.
Product details
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions9.5 x 4.8 x 4.2 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityDR Congo, Lualaba, Mashamba West Mine
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Copper
native copper with spinel-twinned crystals and arborescences; notable from Lake Superior, Itauz, Dongchuan, Corocoro, prized for color and localities.Regional guide
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