Natural History, including Gorgosaurus
Natural History, including Gorgosaurus
Cobaltoan Dolomite with Cobaltoan Calcite and Malachite
Auction Closed
July 28, 03:27 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Cobaltoan Dolomite with Cobaltoan Calcite and Malachite
Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Western area, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of the Congo
5¾ by 6 by 4¾ inches (14.6 x 15.2 x 12 cm).
A massive sculptural, brecciated dolomite that has had the cavities infilled with crystalline dolomite rich in cobalt. The colorfully pink specimen is contrasted by malachite accentuations.
Calcite is a triagonal carbonate mineral found primarily in association with limestone. When placed under warm lighting this particular specimen's aesthetic and sharply defined rhombohedral crystals display a brilliant pink with orange tones.
Malachite is an opaque and banded copper carbonate hydroxide that often forms stalagmitic and/or botryoidal ("bunch of grapes") masses. In the specimen offered here, scattered rich green malachite accentuates the blush pink crystalized cobaltoan calcite, resulting in a beautiful contrast of vibrant hues.
Dolomite is a double carbonate that usually forms off-white or pink crystals, structured in the trigonal-rhombohedral system.