CHRYSOCOLLA ps. after MALACHITE ps. after AZURITE with QUARTZ

This large miniature specimen from the Tenke-Fungurume area in the Kolwezi mining district, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a stunning example of geochemical complexity. Sumptuous pale turquoise-blue fan-like blades of Quartz-encrusted Chrysocolla draw your attention, but within these are hidden deep green blades of Malachite, the occasional one poking through to reveal its sharp crystal form. Inspection of this form - monoclinic - suggests that these are Azurite crystals replaced, or pseudomorphed, by Malachite which is itself monoclinic, but never forms natural bladed crystals such as these. In itself, these are fine pseudomorphs and form a complex aggregate of freestanding bladed crystals, but upon these Chrysocolla, an amorphous copper silicate, has formed as a lovely pale blue crust, epimorphous after Malachite/Azurite. As if this needed improving, along came a thin finely crystallized coating of Quartz upon the Chrysocolla, maintaining the wonderful blue colour, but adding glassy sparkle to the surface. So, to summarize, a copper carbonate hydroxide has been replaced by another copper carbonate hydroxide which has then been coated by hydrated copper silicate hydroxide. In a final flourish the input of copper ceased, replaced by simple silica and oxygen - Quartz. Wonderfully complex and yet strikingly beautiful. Science and natural art combined.

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Crystal Classics

Tucson, Arizona, USA