Dolomite

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The legendary Tsumeb mine in Namibia is famed for many of the world's best mineral specimens and for some mineral species it has produced a quite staggering range of forms, all with exceptional features. Dolomite is one species for which Tsumeb is well-known, but it should perhaps be better known as some of its forms are simply unparalleled worldwide. This large miniature Dolomite specimen exemplifies this, presenting a charming soft lilac to pale pink colour, alongside its typical pearlescent 'Dolomite' lustre. Overall, the Dolomite crystals are quite small, but form an extensive crust with its colour and lustre being its unique feature compared to any other mineral species. Its unusual colour is perhaps a reflection of traces of cobalt within its structure, in the same way that Cobaltoan Smithsonite from Tsumeb is pink. A very pretty classic from this most famous of mines.