Detailed information
Species
Malachite
Dimensions
55 x 16 x 163
mm
Weight
77 g
Locality
L'Etoile du Congo Mine, Lubumbashi Katanga Copper Crescent DR Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
A long, thin, antenna-like Malachite stalactite from the famous Star of Congo mine in the Katanga Copper Crescent, DR Congo. Mined since 1907, this is one of the longest-lived copper and cobalt mining operations in the country. This stalactite displays a thin, hollow core at its base, with the Malachite developed radially outwards. The stalactite has an almost insect-like antenna appearance, curved, with horizontal ridges like segments all the way up its length with a very slightly swollen tip. It is 1 cm in diameter at its thinnest up to 1.5 cm near the base. Externally, the Malachite varies between mid-green with a matt appearance to darker green with a sparkly lustre, reminiscent of glitter. There is some minor scuffing to the surfaces, but the form of this stalactite is very nice.