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.
SOLD Cornetite with Chalcopyrite, Malachite, Cuprite
stock #SOLD 7.AE-308
L Etoile du Congo Mine (Star of the Congo), Lubumbashi
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
11.6 x 6.2 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
Fall 22
A super unusual and a very esthetic Cornetite mixed with iridescent Chalcopyrite - which is not a common association. The color could be described as peacock blue and the iridescent Chalco adds to that as well. Also, there are several zones of Malachite in small balls and clusters, some of which are clearly pseudomorphed after Cuprite crystals. The Malachite shows the dodecahedral shape of the original Cuprite crystals and are very distinct under magnification. The Cornetites from the Shaba Crescent are the world's best for the specie and this locality is pretty much the only place on earth where such sizable pieces can be found. An older specimen, we have not seen anything new of this quality and size for years.
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!
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.
Kolwezite - early find 1978
stock #21.1-553
Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Lualaba Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5 x 4.2 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $230
New Year 22
A rich specimen of Kolwezite in ball-like masses and botryoidal crusts. This was collected in 1978, before this was a described mineral specie. Still considered a rather rare mineral this is an unusual Copper and Cobalt specie. Nearly pure Kolwezite, there is a little Plancheite on the back side matrix as well. In fine condition.
Shattuckite and Plancheite after Anhydrite
stock #AX-19-185
M Sessa Mine, Katanga Copper Crescent
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
4.4 x 1.5 x 1.4 CM (miniature)
price: $700
New Year 22
A remarkable and unusual secondary Copper piece; a hollow cast that shows the form of the original Anhydrite crystal that was replaced by bright blue Shattuckite. The Shattuckite is covered with a mint green layer of Plancheite making a nice contrast. The whole piece has the form of the original Anhydrite crystal and maintains a central void with the same shape. Reminiscent of the shape of Azurite casts from the Apex Mine in Utah, this is an even more rare replacement found just once about 20 years ago at the M'sessa Mine of the Katanga Copper Crescent.
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