This specimen of outstanding quality, with hot pink calcite crystals accented by malachite, a copper mineral. Calcite is one of the most common minerals, and even common in the earth's crust. However, crystallized calcite with intense colors is rare in the world, and the best known hot pink calcite crystals came out, long ago, from finds in the DRC. The hot pink color is caused by cobalt content, in parts per million mixed in with the elements of calcite (calcium carbonate). This neon color is unique in the mineral and gemstone world. Specimens like this came from a single important find of the early 2000s. This discovery, or "pocket" of crystals as collectors use the term, set a new standard for saturated color in calcite. This large, display quality plate came from that find, having gone through several collections along the way including that of collector Marc Weill . His collection was featured in Forbes Collector (November, 2006). Specimens of this size, constant quality, and in undamaged form are nearly unavailable on the market today. The largest known example of this find, of quality, is with collector Lyda Hill in Dallas, Texas. This piece was recovered at the same time and sold to another important collector, NYC-based Marc Weill, in the early 2000s. Supported on a custom molded lucite display base.
4⅞ x 3⅛ x 1 in. (12.5 x 8.0 x 2.4 cm.)
300 g.

ex Marc Weill collection