Mineralpedia Details for Kolwezite

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Kolwezite

Named for its type locality at the Musinoi mine in Kolwezi, Katanga, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kolwezite is a rare mineral that occurs in come oxidized copper-cobalt hydrothermal ore deposits. There are a few localities for Kolwezite, in addition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Greece and the United States.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/kolwezite.pdf

Formula: CuCoCO₃(OH)₂
Crystal System: Triclinic
Crystal Habit: Nodular, Encrustations
Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)
Color: beige brown, green, black
Streak: beige
Class: Triclinic
Hardness: 4
WebMineral: View Kolwezite
Mindat: View Kolwezite

Kolwezite from Katanga Cu Crescent, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo

Tiny, dark green spherical crystals to 0.75mm on lilac-pink Cobaltoan Calcite.

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Kolwezite from Mashamba West mine, Kolwezi dist., Katanga, Democratic Rep. of Congo

Dark green "fuzzy" minute crystals across face with pink cobaltoan Calcite. Kolwezite is a fairly rare copper-cobalt arsenate.

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Kolwezite from Mupine mine, Kamoto, Kolwezi dist., DR Congo

A large vug 3 x 1.5cm filled with fuzzy or velvety looking green Kolwezite. In-hand the Kolwezite is more of an olive color. Exceptional specimen for a fairly rare mineral found in basically six worldwide deposits.