PLANCHEITE
Specimen pln-2
$ 38.00Dims: 1.2x0.8x0.4" (3.0x2.1x1.1cm)
Wt: 0.21 oz. (5.9g)
Shangulowe, Zaire
This thumbnail specimen of plancheite consists of dozens of radial sprays of acicular crystals. The crystals (in tiny puffballs) are a perfect turquoise color, and are translucent. Also on this specimen are radial sprays of a bright green mineral, which I suspect is brochantite. The tips of both minerals are frequently accompanied by an acicular white mineral, which I cannot identify, and which obscures the deep colors of the underlying minerals. With a loupe, the brightness and clarity of the plancheite (and brochantite) is apparent.