Details
ColorsGreen
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 cm
Species
Description
This striking double pseudomorph of intense sky-blue Chrysocolla replacing Malachite after Azurite and coated in Quartz is probably best described as resembling luxurious blue draped curtains hanging in deep folds over which occasional patches of dark blackish-green micro-crystallised Malachite adhere. This specimen is from a magnificent recent find in the Tenke-Fungurume area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa. The actual structure is one of various sized Chrysocolla crystals, replacing Malachite and formerly Azurite. These pseudomorphs typically form tapering curved crystals in Gothic arch-style, but in this specimen adopt a typical Azurite habit with parallel sides and a well-defined angled termination. These are entirely encrusted with sparkling micro-Quartz crystals with a bright glassy lustre, save for areas mainly around the base where the paler, more powder-blue Chrysocolla is exposed. Beneath the Quartz, the Chrysocolla is a stunning sky blue and throughout the base can be seen a remnant core of deep leaf-green Malachite occurring as micro-crystals. 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. A striking, good-size miniature pseudomorph from the Kolwezi mining district of the DRC.
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Origin
