Chrysocolla Pseudomorph After Malachite Pseudomorph after Azurite with Quartz

DR Congo, Lualaba, Tenke-Fungurume area

This exceptional double Pseudomorph specimen represents one of the most remarkable mineralogical events from the 2019 Tenke‑Fungurume discovery in the Kolwezi mining district of the DR Congo. It is a true double pseudomorph, where:

1. Azurite formed first
2. Malachite replaced the azurite
3. Chrysocolla replaced the malachite
4. A final phase deposited a thin layer of druzy quartz, giving the entire surface a bright, sparkling, glassy luster

The result is a breathtaking combination of:

• Intense sky‑blue chrysocolla with rich saturation
• Botryoidal and sculptural forms inherited from the earlier malachite/azurite shapes
• Fine drusy quartz crystals that add brilliance and depth
• Sharp contrast between blue chrysocolla and green malachite remnants
• Highly aesthetic, display‑ready architecture

The entire specimen is covered in a fine druse of colorless micro‑crystalline quartz, giving it a brilliant, sparkling sheen from every angle. On one side, a secondary layer of tan‑to‑brown quartz has selectively coated the pseudomorphed faces, revealing the original orientation of the piece while it was still in the pocket. This natural zoning adds depth, contrast, and geological context to the specimen.

This is a superb Chrysocolla after Malachite after Azurite pseudomorph from the Kolwezi region — visually striking, structurally complete, and absolutely worthy of a high‑end collection or museum display.

Specimens of this quality from Tenke‑Fungurume are limited and increasingly sought after. This piece is an outstanding example of Congo copper‑secondary mineralization and a must‑have for collectors of pseudomorphs, chrysocolla, or African classics.