Kolwezite (very rare) (ex Wouter Van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

Kolwezite is an incredibly rare copper cobalt hydroxy carbonate species, found in less than 10 localities in the world. The best specimens are those from DR Congo, specifically the Kolwezi area, which is where the species gets its name. This piece features coverage of uncharacteristically tan colored, velvety botryoidal Kolwezite on a thin layer of matrix from the lesser known Mupine Mine. It's possible that the outer edge of the Kolwezite is oxidized, but Just below the surface, you can see a much darker greenish-black hue where the piece was contacted around the periphery upon removal from the pocket wall. Minor purplish-pink cobalt-bearing Calcite can be seen on the underside of the specimen for a nice touch. The piece comes from the collection of Wouter Van Tichelen, with a label from the collection of Wolfgang Henkel.