Dolomite (Var: Cobaltoan Dolomite)
Dolomite (Var: Cobaltoan Dolomite)
A Dolomite matrix covered by intense fuchsia coloured tiny platy Cobaltoan Dolomite crystals who creates a sort of rounded spheres. Not only the saturated colour, but also the very fine crystallization of the individual and well developed isolated spheres, together with the shape of the entire specimen are certainly exceptional for the species. This specimen was collected in the mid 1970s.
Locality: Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi, Kolwezi District, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cu-Co-Mn-U deposit. Known for rare assemblage of uranyl selenites, as well as palladium minerals. The workings consist of several open cuts, the oldest of which, Musonoi Principal, was started during the 1940's. A second cut was begun during the 1950's, and a third cut during the 1970's. The pits, eventually combined, are now connected to the Kamoto group of mines. Located 2 km NW of Kolwezi.
Dolomitic inferior formation of the Roan system, Katanga group (Precambrian IV), deeply affected by folds and thrust nappes. Two ore-bodies (about 10 meters) are known, uranium mineralization is located in the faulted inferior ore-body.
Cobaltoan Dolomite / Dolomite (5.1 cm x 3.5 cm)
Mario Pauwels collection, Joaquim Callén photo. Ex-Gilbert Gauthier collection , ex-Ken Rippere collection.