Detailed information
Species
Malachite, ps. after Azurite, Primary Malachite
Dimensions
55 x 77 x 44
mm
Weight
85 g
Locality
Tenke-Fungurume area Kolwezi mining district Lualaba, DR Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
Although from the recent unusual geochemical finds at Tenke-Fungurume area in the Kolwezi mining district, Lualaba, DR Congo this specimen is quite different in its pseudomorphism and replacement. Instead of the Quartz-coated Chrysocolla replacements after Malachite replacing Azurite, this specimen shows mainly the earlier stages of this alteration process, with wafer-thin green blades of Malachite pseudomorphs after Azurite with just a little pale blue Chrysocolla scattered around its surfaces and a few individual, dark green Primary Malachite crystals sat upon the Malachite blades. The blades form bunched parallel groups and slightly divergent fan-like sprays. The surfaces of the Malachite blades are glistening and bright and on the back if the piece the process of subsequent Chrysocolla replacement of the Malachite can be seen. Small cabinet in size, it is a fascinating specimen and a really great demonstration of how the geochemical process works. A fragile, but beautiful specimen.