{"product_id":"cobaltoan-calcite-on-matrix-mashamba-west-mine-lualaba-province-democratic-republic-of-congo","title":"Cobaltoan Calcite on Matrix – Mashamba West Mine, Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vibrant specimen of Cobaltoan Calcite from the renowned Mashamba West Mine in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Famous among mineral collectors worldwide, this locality produces some of the most intensely colored pink calcite specimens ever discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe remarkable color of Cobaltoan Calcite is derived from the presence of cobalt within the crystal structure, producing striking shades ranging from soft pink to vivid magenta. Specimens from Mashamba West are particularly prized for their rich coloration, sparkling crystal surfaces, and strong display presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecimen Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural Cobaltoan Calcite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMashamba West Mine locality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntense pink coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive crystal coverage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly collectible African mineral specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent display piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMineral Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cobaltoan Calcite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carbonates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trigonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pink to deep magenta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLuster:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitreous to pearly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMashamba West Mine has become one of the world's most important modern sources of colorful cobalt-bearing minerals. The mine is particularly celebrated for producing exceptional specimens of Cobaltoan Calcite, often associated with other copper and cobalt minerals from the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors value these specimens for:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional natural color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong visual appeal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesirable African locality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine crystal development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay quality aesthetics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreasing scarcity of quality material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepending on the specimen, natural features may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparkling crystal druse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBotryoidal growth patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLayered crystal formations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatrix contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich cobalt-induced coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple generations of crystal growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecimens from Mashamba West have become increasingly sought after by:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine mineral collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfrican mineral specialists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay specimen collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuseum collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEducational collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvanced mineral enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vivid coloration and world-famous locality make Cobaltoan Calcite from Mashamba West one of the most recognizable modern collector minerals available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mashamba West Mine, Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 x 40 x 26 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully for overall condition, crystal quality, matrix, and natural growth characteristics, as they are considered part of the description. Natural mineral specimens commonly exhibit contact points, natural fractures, and growth features resulting from their formation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prospector's Vault","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42430020255826,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/8805\/6146\/files\/Cobaltoan.png?v=1780180012","url":"https:\/\/prospectorsvault.com\/products\/cobaltoan-calcite-on-matrix-mashamba-west-mine-lualaba-province-democratic-republic-of-congo","provider":"Prospector's Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}