Pseudomalachite

Unknown Owner

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Pseudo-malachite is a very rare mineral that is quite different from the more common malachite, with which it is often confused when it is found. Pseudo-malachite is a phosphate, and malachite is a carbonate. Exceptional specimens of this species have really only come out of the ground a few times that we know of, and the best are always said to have been from a few finds in Africa. I have seen several specimens of similar style, with a deeper color, from the Zaire (Dem. Republic of Congo, today) region. This piece was attributed in an old collection to Zambia. One would assume then to the old Kitwe copper mining district. The matrix on the back IS highly unusual for Congo, as well (it is a tough quartz breccia), so I believe the locality to be somewhere in this region, and not Zairean as are other major examples I have seen - but I cannot be sure. The piece is very aesthetic, and is complete all around. It has no damage. This was in the Bill Larson collection until traded to collector Steve Smale in about 1980. I obtained it from him by exchange. Joe Budd photos.