COBALTOAN Dolomite

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Pink, cobalt-rich Dolomite is well known from Tsumeb mine but is nowhere near as common as some of the other carbonates at the mine. This miniature specimen is a delightful example. The Cobaltoan Dolomite is nicely crystallized and has a flesh-pink colour with a classic pearlescent lustre. When turned upside down it can be seen that the Cobaltoan Dolomite forms a thin 'skin' around a hollow core, representing either an epimorph - a cast after a long gone mineral - or, showing how when Dolomite forms from other carbonates such as Calcite there is a volume change. The Cobaltoan Dolomite crystals on the outer surface are small, but clearly visible, and show no obvious signs of damage.