Malachite on Quartz

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This wonderfully sculptural cabinet-sized display Malachite specimen on Quartz is from the Tenke-Fungurume area in the Kolwezi mining district, DR Congo. The Malachite forms a fascinating, forest-like aggregate of short stalactites all developed parallel, but in stepped layers, almost flat to the surface of the specimen making for a beautifully artistic display. The stalactites reach up to 3 cm in length, and are made up of stacked globules, providing an intriguing appearance. The stalactites completely coat just over half of a bed of small (5 mm) pinkish white pyramidal Quartz crystals themselves coating siliceous cherty matrix. Some of the Quartz crystals are damaged, but the Malachite is what catches your eye and is superb condition and very shapely. The Malachite displays a fine deep green surface colour with a sparkly lustre, in some areas reminiscent of glitter. Underneath, the Malachite is much paler green as displayed around the edges where the stalactites and botryoids are seen in cross-section. A beautiful display specimen which sits well for display, or can be presented, with support, in several different ways. A really nicely balanced piece.