The distinctive pink-coloured crystals in cobaltoan calcite come from impurities of cobalt. These pieces are from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cobaltoan calcite, which can feature exceptionally pink, gemmy crystals, was first described from the Calamita Mine in Tuscany, Italy.
Elba’s iron mines, including Calamita, produced some of the earliest European cobalt-bearing calcite specimens studied in the 19th century.
Although it occurs in several countries, most material now comes from Congo and Morocco.
The crystals on the cobaltoan calcite on the right in our photos sparkle incessantly as they reflect light. They're also a deeper and richer shade of pink. A higher concentration of cobalt is responsible for the colour's intensity.
Bloodstone
