Details
ColorsGrey
SizeLarge
Dimensions10.2 x 6.7 x 3.3 cm
Description
'Primary' Malachite is an unusual mineral, but one which can, as seen here, be stunningly beautiful. The 'Primary' prefix is rarely used for minerals, and in this instance denotes that the crystals take their own crystallographic form rather than a replacement of other minerals. They are still, however, secondary in origin, formed within a supergene environment. It is extremely rare to see Malachite in its own discrete crystals, other than acicular sprays, but discoveries in Africa show that they do occur. This cabinet display specimen is from a recent exceptional find at Mindingi mine in Kambove District, DR Congo, a find that has really opened our eyes to what a quality mineral Primary Malachite can be. The triangular, almost sphenoidal crystals measure up to 8 mm across and tightly aggregated covering a Quartz-coated surface. The crystals are semi-translucent deep bottle green to forest green with a glassy to velvety lustre. The colour, lustre and form of these crystals is remarkable and easily mistaken for Libethenite, such is their quality. This specimen is brimming with fine crystals and with support stands upright for display.
Origin
