Name: Malachite on Quartz
Brand: Crystal Classics
Price: 1500 USD
Availability: InStock

Updated 3d ago

Malachite on Quartz

'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 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 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 exceptionally measure up to 9 mm across and are semi-translucent deep bottle green to forest green with a glassy to velvety lustre. They form a dense layer almost completely covering a crystallized Quartz matrix in chert. The colour, lustre and form of these crystals is remarkable and easily mistaken for Libethenite, such is their quality. This specimen is exceptional in quality, with just one tiny abrasion to the corner of one crystal. Otherwise, it is pristine.

$1,500.00