CHRYSOCOLLA ps. after MALACHITE ps. after AZURITE with QUARTZ

This jagged architectural miniature features an unusual double pseudomorph of intense sky-blue Chrysocolla replacing Malachite after Azurite and coated in Quartz, from a magnificent recent find in the Tenke-Fungurume area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa. Many former tall and narrow Azurite crystals measuring up to 3.5 cm, form a stalagmitic group of replaced Chrysocolla crystals entirely encrusted with sparkling micro-Quartz crystals. The pseudomorphed Chrysocolla crystals project vertically from a drusy Chrysocolla and Quartz covered plate of mixed Malachite and light-grey matrix. The Chrysocolla is a stunning sky-blue and throughout the base can be seen a remnant core of pale leaf-green Malachite. The Tenke-Fungurume area delineates a 30 km copper-cobalt mineralised zone between Tenke hill in the NW and Fungurume hill in the SE of the Kolwezi mining district. The region holds large ore reserves and to date a suite of 31 minerals have been recorded, including some exceedingly rare copper species. This choice specimen will make a great contribution to any collection specialising in this classic region of Central Africa.

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Crystal Classics

Tucson, Arizona, USA