Chrysocolla after Azurite/Malachite
stock #15.1-492
Lupoto mine, Lubumbashi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
10.8 x 6.7 x 6.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $680
From a very important find made almost a decade ago, a fine pseudomorph or epimorph of blue-green Chrysocolla in the shape of free standing Azurites. The Azurites were long ago altered to Malachite and most of the Malachite has been dissolved away though a few remnants remain. Nearly all of these forms are now fully hollow, forming a cast after the former crystals. There have been other finds of Chrysocolla after Barite and other minerals from this area but the Azurite forms are perhaps the most impressive. In very fine condition, unlike most of the find, on this piece the crystals are intact, complete and up to 2.5 CM free standing.
Chrysocolla with Quartz and Malachite
stock #22.1-124
Tenke-Fungurume
Lualaba Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
3.4 x 2.5 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $490
Fall 22
Fingers of Chrysocolla and Malachite are covered by a layer of sparkling clear Quartz crystals. From recent new finds at Tenke-Fungurume (DR Congo). The inner core of these fingers is Malachite which has been alleged to be pseudomorphed after Azurite, but that is no clearly established. No matter what the origin, the resulting form, luster and color are superb and have a powerful display impact in person. This small miniature is in fine condition with no damage except at the base where this was removed. One finger has an old break on it that shows the inner core of Malachite; it has long since been overgrown by the clear Quartz crystals and adds some contrast. This material reminds us of some older finds in Arizona yet this habit is distinctly different than those, a unique form from the Congo. This find had made big mineral news and most such pieces were gobbled up quickly. Much better in person, the sparkle is best appreciated in hand.
Chrysocolla ps Azurite/ Malachite
stock #15.1-489
Lupoto mine, Lubumbashi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8.5 x 7.6 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $480
Post Tucson 2022
A fine example of this remarkable pseudomorph. On this piece the original crystals of Azurite were replaced by Malachite which is a fairly common alteration, it preserves perfectly the shape of the Azurite crystals. The Malachite is then replaced by or overgrown with Chrysocolla which replaces the green Malachite with a bright blue color. On this specimen a little of the green Malachite can still be seen in the center of some smaller blades, but overall the entire piece is a bright blue. In fine condition overall, all of the large blades on the display side are intact and undamaged, only the backside has a few small broken blades that are not visible on display. This was from a 2015 find that had an especially great form, later materials did not look like this. An excellent and esthetic Copper secondary specimen with fine color. The largest of the original crystals is about 3 CM which was huge in this find.
