The open encyclopedia of minerals
GlossaryCite the database
Mineralogist.org
Minerals A–ZSearchCollectionsBrowse by PropertyIdentify a SpecimenCompare MineralsLocalities MapGlossaryContribute Search the Database →
Carbonate

Kolwezite

CuCo(CO₃)(OH)₂
Hardness4
Crystal systemTriclinic
ClassCarbonate
←PrevKolskyiteNextKolymite→
Kolwezite specimen

Kolwezite Locality: Kolwezi Mine, Kolwezi , Western area, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba) , Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre) ( Locality at mindat.org ) Field of view 30 mm. Specimen and photo Leon Hupperichs. — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Kolwezite

Kolwezite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula CuCo(CO₃)(OH)₂.

It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system. It is a member of the Malachite structural group.

Key properties: Mohs hardness 4; specific gravity 3.97; Beige streak.

IMA symbol Kwz, IMA status: approved, named in 1979.

Occurs as an uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of some Cu–Co hydrothermal ore deposits.

It is found associated with Cobaltian malachite, cobaltian dolomite, heterogenite.

The name refers to its occurrence at Kolwezi, Congo.

Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet. Browse more K minerals or help write this entry.