Calcite (Cobalt-bearing)

Item Description

Please note: This specimen was originally labeled as coming from Bou Azzer, Morocco, but the evident association of Kolwezite certainly confirms it's from the Mashamba West Mine, as Kolwezite has not been reported from any mine in Morocco as far as I can tell. With that said, this piece is a fine quality and richly colored example of the classic cobalt-bearing Calcite specimens from this well-known locality. These are hands down some of the finest examples of this colorful variety of Calcite in the world. This piece is features excellent, well-formed, trigonal crystals measuring up to 1.1 cm across, sitting on matrix. Small radiating aggregates of greenish-brown Kolwezite can be seen scattered atop the Calcites. The central crystals are in great condition, and the only roughness is around the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. The crystals have a saturated color, with a liveliness that is rarely seen in Calcite, as the intense fuchsia-pink hue and just glows in good lighting. A very attractive example of these renowned Calcites.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#3 M), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection through our various platforms.