Pink Cobaltoan Calcite on Matrix – Democratic Republic of the Congo – 0.22 lbs

A vivid Pink Cobaltoan Calcite specimen from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, featuring richly colored crystalline growth across contrasting natural matrix. Mounted vertically on a custom display base, this sculptural specimen presents an impressive approximately 3.5-inch profile while showcasing its strongest crystal coverage in an elevated position.

The primary display face is covered with densely intergrown calcite crystals ranging from soft rose pink to saturated raspberry and magenta. Rounded crystal aggregates, small sparkling faces, and recessed pockets create a highly textured three-dimensional surface that flashes brightly under direct lighting.

Color saturation varies naturally across the formation. The most intense fuchsia-pink growth is concentrated along the crystal-rich face and upper edges, transitioning into paler blush, cream, and nearly colorless calcite toward the surrounding matrix. These variations reveal separate areas or stages of mineral growth and give the specimen considerable visual depth.

The tan-to-gray host matrix remains visible along the sides and reverse, providing strong contrast against the vibrant pink calcite. Small green mineralized areas appear near the lower portion of the matrix and may represent copper-bearing secondary minerals commonly associated with material from the region; their precise identity has not been analytically confirmed.

Often marketed as “Cobalt Calcite,” the more precise mineralogical description is cobaltoan calcite—calcite whose pink coloration results from cobalt substituting for a small portion of the calcium within the crystal structure. The amount and distribution of cobalt can produce colors ranging from delicate pink to intense magenta.

Measuring approximately 1.5 × 2 × 3.5 inches and weighing 0.22 pounds, this compact mounted specimen delivers exceptional color and sparkle for its size. Its vibrant crystalline coverage, contrasting matrix, mineral association, and upright presentation make it a memorable example of classic Congolese cobaltoan calcite.

Specifications

Mineral: Cobaltoan Calcite

Common Trade Name: Cobalt Calcite

Formation: Pink crystalline calcite on natural matrix

Locality: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Weight: 0.22 lbs (approximately 100 grams)

Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 × 2 × 3.5 inches

Color: Rose pink, raspberry, magenta, blush, pale pink, cream, tan, gray, and green accents

Crystal Habit: Densely intergrown crystalline aggregates with rounded and sparkling growth

Primary Display Face: Broad pink mineralized surface with recessed pockets and variations in crystal size

Matrix: Natural tan-to-gray host rock with localized green mineralization

Associated Minerals: Green areas may represent secondary copper mineralization; exact composition has not been analytically confirmed

Color Origin: Pink coloration produced by cobalt substituting for a portion of the calcium within calcite

Luster: Vitreous to sparkling

Transparency: Transparent to translucent crystals over predominantly opaque matrix

Crystal System: Trigonal

Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ with partial cobalt substitution

Mohs Hardness: Approximately 3

Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral cleavage in three directions

Mounting: Affixed to a custom display base produced in-house

Display: Elevated upright collector specimen

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent contacts, incomplete crystals, matrix fractures, surface deposits, color variations, extraction-related irregularities, and minor edge wear

Exact specimen shown

About Cobaltoan Calcite

Cobaltoan calcite is a cobalt-bearing variety of calcite distinguished by its characteristic pink-to-magenta coloration. Small amounts of cobalt replace calcium within the calcite crystal structure, producing colors considerably more saturated than those typically seen in ordinary calcite.

The name “cobalt calcite” is widely used in the mineral trade, although “cobaltoan calcite” more accurately describes the material because it remains calcite rather than becoming a separate cobalt mineral species. Color intensity can vary according to the amount and distribution of cobalt, crystal chemistry, associated minerals, and different generations of growth.

The copper- and cobalt-producing regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are internationally celebrated for brightly colored secondary minerals. Cobaltoan calcite from these deposits may occur with copper-bearing minerals, cobalt minerals, quartz, dolomite, and complex oxidized matrix associations.

The green coloration visible within this specimen’s matrix is suggestive of secondary copper mineralization, potentially including minerals such as malachite. Because visual identification alone is not conclusive, those areas are conservatively described as unidentified green mineralization.

Calcite is softer and more easily cleaved than quartz. Protect the specimen from impacts, acids, harsh cleaning products, prolonged soaking, and sudden temperature changes. Handle it by the display base and clean it only with a soft, dry brush.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural cobaltoan calcite from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Vivid rose-pink to saturated magenta coloration
• Dense crystalline coverage across the primary display face
• Sparkling reflective crystal surfaces
• Rounded and intergrown calcite aggregates
• Recessed pockets with concentrated crystal growth
• Attractive variation from pale blush to deep raspberry pink
• Strong contrast against tan-to-gray natural matrix
• Localized green secondary mineralization
• Compact approximately 100-gram collector size
• Sculptural 3.5-inch upright profile
• Custom display base produced in-house
• Elevated, ready-to-display presentation
• Multiple attractive viewing angles
• Classic cobalt-bearing Congolese mineral character
• One-of-a-kind natural mineral specimen
• Exact specimen pictured

Perfect for collectors of cobaltoan calcite, cobalt calcite, pink minerals, Congolese minerals, African mineral specimens, copper-cobalt deposit minerals, mounted crystals, and vividly colored collector specimens.

Professionally packaged and shipped from Colorado.

You will receive the exact specimen shown.

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