Details
ColorsGrey
SizeLarge
Dimensions10.5 x 6.6 x 4.6 cm
Description
'Primary' Malachite is an unusual mineral, or variety, which can as seen here, be stunningly beautiful. The 'Primary' prefix is rarely used for minerals, and is not, as you might expect, used to denote that it has formed in a primary mineralizing environment, as opposed to secondary alteration. Instead, it denotes that most Malachite occurrences are replacements of other minerals, or show forms - like - stalactites - rather devoid of individual discernible crystals. So, it is extremely rare to see Malachite in its own discrete crystals, other than acicular sprays. This superb small cabinet display specimen is from a recent exceptional find at Mindingi mine in Kambove District, DR Congo, a find that has shown us what a quality mineral Primary Malachite can be. Formed on a thin bed of Quartz crystals coating chert, are triangular, almost sphenoidal Primary Malachite crystals, reaching 9 mm across, semi-translucent deep bottle green to forest green with a glassy to velvety lustre. They form a dense layer almost completely covering the display surface. The colour, lustre and form of these crystals is remarkable and easily mistaken for Libethenite. This specimen is exceptional in quality and richness, and with support sits nicely as a slightly domed display.
Origin
