Malachite - Crystals and Botryoidal forms
stock #10.1-500
Katanga, Central Area, Katanga Copper zone
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8.3 x 6.2 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Early summer 2021
A classic from Katanga, this is a two sided specimen. One side is composed of sharp radiating fibrous crystals topped by a pair of Malachite balls. The other side is all botryoidal with some distinct chatoyance caused by the balls being composed of fibrous crystals. Excellent condition, color, form and luster. The Shaba Crescent was the source of much outstanding Malachite and these are still very reasonably priced, one of the mineral world's best bargains. In person the color is a bit deeper, darker and the shimmering luster is almost impossible to appreciate in a photo.
Malachite Slice of stalactitic nodule
stock #18.1-218
Katanga, Central Area, Katanga Copper zone
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5.4 x 4.5 x .5 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $380
Spring update
Sharp and colorful pattern is well presented on both sides of this cross section of Malachite. Good polish and fine contrast in the banding that is "cauliflower" in form. This sort of quality slice was at one time more common but now is quite scarce. A modern classic.
Cuprite -Large complex crystal on Malachite
stock #0739-JM-1693
Dikuluwe Mine, Kolwezi
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
7 x 6.6 x 3.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $880
Spring update
A large, somewhat crude red Cuprite octahedron (3.5 CM) with some unusual growth features and complex faces sets nicely on Malachite matrix. Two of the faces have odd holes (one circular, one triangular) and several parts of the crystal show stepped regrowths. Great color contrast, with backlighting the Cuprite glows a brilliant cherry red. We have not backlit the specimen as that can be misleading, but the cuprite is fully translucent and seems to be facet grade clear red inside. Ex John Marshall collection (his label and card are included) acquired in 1990 from G. Gauthier.
Malachite -stalactitic form, cross section slab
stock #17.1-699
Katanga, Central Area, Katanga Copper zone
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5.6 x 3.6 x .4 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Pre Holiday 2017
Sections of stalactitic Malachite can be quite esthetic, especially when the form is more complex and with good color banding. This is an excellent example cut from materials collected in the 1990s. This style is now becoming rare with the "cauliflower" form. Complete edge rind all around, and polished on both sides.
Malachite - polished stalactitic section
stock #17.1-700
Katanga, Central Area, Katanga Copper zone
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
6.8 x 5 x .4 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Pre Holiday 2017
Sections of stalactitic Malachite can be quite esthetic, especially when the form is more complex and with good color banding. This is an excellent example cut from materials collected in the 1990s. Far better quality and form than average for this sort of slab. The double eye on this piece is especially striking. Polished on both sides but the "back" as seen was near to top knob of the malachite form and so has much more rind. Complete with great form and contrast.
Chrysocolla pseudo after Azurite/Malachite
stock #15.1-490
Lupoto mine, Lubumbashi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8.3 x 6.9 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $400
May 2015
One of the most exciting new finds this year are these very colorful pseudomorphs from the Congo. This specimen is especially well-formed with big (up to 6.2 cm) sharp crystals showing Azurite form. The crystals are now hollow casts with a small amount of residual Malachite seen inside with magnification. The entire specimen is covered with tiny, sharply terminated crystals of deep blue Chrysocolla. In fine condition esthetic and eye-catching.
Dioptase (unusual color and exceptional form)
stock #AX-24-097
Luishia Mine, Kambove District
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
4.4 x 2.5 x 1.3 CM (miniature)
price: $975
Spring 2014
Striking, esthetic and unusual, this is a fine, undamaged piece with an "odd" color hue. The Shaba Dioptase can be quite impressive but rarely this delicate and sculptural, with no matrix. The color, in person, looks almost a Malachite green but with a brilliant glassy luster, there is good transparency too as seen in some of the best Tsumeb Dioptase. A fine specimen from any place this is especially nice for Katanga area.
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