Safflorite on Calcite (Cobalt-bearing) (RARE association)

Item Description

A rare association specimen from the Bou Azzer Mine in Morocco featuring a good sized mound comprising dozens of beautiful light lilac-pink colored cobalt-bearing Calcite scalenohedra measuring up to 1.1 cm long, which play host to dozens of dark metallic grey crystals of the rare cobalt nickel iron arsenide species, Safflorite! I can't remember seeing another piece quite like this from Bou Azzer, and the rich amount of Safflorite on the specimen would already be significant, but the added bonus of having them sitting atop the beautifully contrasting cobalt-bearing Calcite crystals makes the piece all the more enticing and desirable. There is a slight dark reddish hue that can be seen in some of the Calcites as well, which I presume is due to iron oxide inclusions. I can see a few small bruises, but the piece is largely undamaged. It's one of the specimens that looks great on a shelf in a display case, but also is equally intriguing when viewed up close with a loupe. A great piece for any fan of Calcites, unusual associations or minerals from Morocco.
Valued $2,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#146 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 over the coming months and years through our various platforms.