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.
Plancheite with Heterogenite crystals
stock #8.AE-635
Mashaba West Mine, Kolwezi Mining District
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5.5 x 3.4 x 3.3 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $230
An open cavity filled with sharp needle-like blue Plancheite crystals and small black spherical Heterogenite which also is crystalized in some spots. An excellent example of the specie and with attractive powder blue color in fine condition. This specimen is illustrated in Mindat as well.
Carrollite on Calcite
stock #23.1-235
Kamoya, Kambove, Katanga Copper Crescent
Haut- Katanga,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
4 x 3.8 x 3.3 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Pre Tucson
A pair of perfect Carrollite crystals nestled in a Calcite matrix. The Carrollites have bright metallic luster mostly silvery but a few faces have a golden sheen too. These crystals reach 1.4 CM. This is from the finds in 2005 where the matrix was a solid Calcite. Many later finds had Talc and Calcite matrix and the Carrollites tended to fall out, hence there were many matrix-less single crystals and repaired matrix pieces. This is fully natural and not repaired. For the past 6 years there has not been any new finds. This locality has a well earned respect for the best Carrollites even found. Though this is not a top piece from this mine it is choice and affordable and better in size and quality than any specimens from any other location in the world.
Lueshite - fine crystal, type locality
stock #23.1-627
Lueshe Mine, Bwito, Rutshuru Territory
North Kivu Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
0.7 x 0.5 x 0.6 (thumbnail)
price: $160
Pre Tucson
A single, sharp black crystal of Lueshite from the type locality. This is a super fine crystal of this very rare Niobium-Sodium specie. The form is pseudo-cubic as the crystal system is actually orthorhombic, but for all practical purposes these look perfectly like simple cubes. The mineral has been found in a few other localities but only this mine during the 1990 era and the famed Pudrette Quarry in Quebec ever produced good crystals. The Canadian specimens tend to be smaller and often look more octahedral or crude. Today more or less impossible to find on the market except from breakup of old collections.
Malachite crystals on Chrysocolla
stock #7.AE-262
Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
11 x 8.4 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $790
Spring 23
Matrix of rich light green veined Chrysocolla contrasts with a dense covering of darker primary Malachite crystals. An older Kolwezi specimen, this is sizable, undamaged, lustrous and displays very well. Although the Malachite appears dark under most lighting, with strong illumination these are seen as gemmy, transparent bright green crystals. The Copper Crescent zone of the Congo is an amazing and productive area. Every few years some new habits and styles are found, this piece from one era of production is a style we do not see anymore. In my opinion, these fine quality Copper secondaries represent one of the best current values of price to quality in the modern mineral market. Carefully selected, this example is really impressive in person.
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.
Kolwezite pseudo after Cuprite crystals with Co Dolomite
stock #22.1-208
Kakanda Mine, Kakanda Deposit, Lubudi
Lualaba Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
4.3 x 3.4 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $800
Post Tucson 2022
Several dark green crystals are perched on contrasting bright pink Cobaltoan Dolomite. These crystals are a full pseudomorph of Cuprite showing perfectly the original modified octahedral form. This is now fully changed to Kolwezite which is a rather rare specie worldwide. Non pseudomorphed crystals of this Copper Cobalt Carbonate are only found as small micros (Triclinic, usually as elongated fibers). This piece is from a very small new find which to my knowledge is the first ever with such fine sharp pseudomorphs. No damage, colorful and an excellent attractive and rare copper pseudo!
Kolwezite pseudo after Cuprite crystal on Co Dolomite
stock #22.1-210
Kakanda Mine, Kakanda Deposit, Lubudi
Lualaba Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
3.2 x 2.6 x 1.9 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $480
Post Tucson 2022
A single sharp dark green crystal is perched on contrasting bright pink Cobaltoan Dolomite. The crystal is a full pseudomorph of a Cuprite showing perfectly the original modified octahedral form. This is now fully changed to Kolwezite which is a rare specie worldwide. Crystals of this Copper Cobalt Carbonate are only found as small micros (Triclinic, usually as elongated fibers). This piece is from a small new find which to my knowledge is the first ever made with sharp pseudomorphs after Cuprite like this. No damage. An excellent and rare copper pseudo!