SOLD
DEN14-1461
Calcite Var. Cobaltian
Mupine Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Small Cabinet, 8.5 x 5.3 x 5.0 cm
SOLD
This find in the mid-1980s surprised people with these brilliant hot pink calcite crystals, colored by cobalt content. To this day, they are still one of the most instantly recognizable of the African classics, and the find has not been duplicated now in over 20 years. These large, sharp scalenohedrons, translucent and pink, are still a unique find. This remarkable specimen features crystals to 4.2 cm, the largest of which is doubly-terminated. Specimens of this size and aesthetics, quite aside from the even and high color saturation itself, are rarely seen on the market today. I was lucky to be able to obtain this in an old collection in a larger piece that could be cleaned and trimmed down a bit. Joe Budd photos.