Cerussite on Malachite

Unknown Owner

This rich combination of velvety dark green botryoidal Malachite and resinous white snow-flake twinned Cerussite crystal is from Palabanda quarries, Mfouati District, Bouenza Department, Republic of the Congo. The way the specimen has been trimmed shows small patches of the internal radiating structure of the Malachite. The twinned Cerussite crystals reach 1.5 cm across and sit slightly proud of the velvety surface of the Malachite. The back of the specimen, which also reveals the clay rock matrix, shows how the Malachite and Cerussite are intimately intergrown. A fine example from this relatively modern occurrence, and in great overall condition. Ex Nick Hawes collection.