Detailed information
Species
Malachite
Dimensions
25 x 16 x 80
mm
Weight
45 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 an extremely thin, hollow core at its base, with the Malachite developed radially in concentric bands outwards. The stalactite has an almost insect-like antenna appearance, slightly curved, with a slightly swollen tip. It is 1.1 cm in diameter at its thinnest near the base, widening to 1.5 cm at its tip. Externally, the Malachite varies between mid-green with a matt appearance to darker green with a sparkly lustre, reminiscent of glitter. There is no obvious scuffing to the surfaces, and with its unusual form this makes a fine small display specimen.