MALACHITE
Specimen mal-42

Dims: 5" x 3-1/2" x 2-1/2"

Wt: 19.2 oz

Kolwezi, Zaire

This spectacularly colored item is coated with a plush, botryoidal crust of semi-crystalline, or specular Malachite on a layer of somewhat crumbly but electric-blue-green Chrysocolla. Some of these nodules have been damaged, with small spots of crystals crushed, but the overall sparkle, color, and rarity of such a piece give it our thumbs up. We think you will agree with us!

Dims: 3-1/2"x2-1/2"x2"

Wt: 6.5 oz

Kolwezi, Zaire

This fabulous piece is one of the many lovely examples of Malachite that are harvested in Zaire. Its shape is exceptional, showing exactly what the term "botryoidal" should mean to a collector. Amazingly, as I was writing this, Steve Covey just made a discovery concerning this piece; the Malachite crust is composed of vast numbers of tiny crystals, each with a perfect termination. When viewed with a 15-power loupe, one sees that these terminations are almost transparent, and glow with a gorgeous green color, against a seemingly black background. I may not ever see a more beautiful specimen of Malachite than this one.

Dims: 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 2"

Wt: 11.1 oz

Kolwezi, Zaire

One of the few specimens that are polished for sale at this site, this Malachite has the classic botryoidal structure that I love so much. The mammillary formations have been polished down enough so that a subtle banded layering is evident. The sides of the piece have also been polished, and the underside is chalky-looking, with a layer of Chrysocolla that is rather flaky. This is the quintissential paperweight for the desk-jockey in your life who loves Malachite!

Dims: 4.9" x 4.2" x 1.3" (12.4 x 10.7 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 2.6 oz.(527 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This specimen consists of a large, flat piece of host rock that is covered by a generous layer of Malachite. The Malachite occurs in a variety of forms, including fibrous, radial clusters, thin, small blades, massive crusts, and botryoidal formations. Only a small amount of damage to any of these formations is present, besides the material on the edges of the specimen, where it was broken out of its place of formation. It has a very dark green color and its luster ranges from pearly to silky to dull, depending on its formation. All of the Malachite is opaque; it is quite interesting to examine, especially if one has a magnifier, loupe, or a microscope. The base rock that it coats is layered and makes me think of some form of sandstone, or maybe even some variety of chert. It is a very pretty specimen, most of all for those who like the color green.

Dims: 6.0" x 4.5" x 1.8" (15.2 x 11.4 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 1.8 oz.(958 g)

Unknown

One of the odder Malachite specimens that I have come across, it shows the green color and layering tendencies of this mineral, but not very well. There are patches of tiny, fibrous needles that make up a rather thick layer of the piece, and are partially exposed on its surface; these needles do not exceed 2 mm in length. The other layers in the piece tend to be massive and rather chalky, and are probably not worthy of a lapidary's workshop. There is a small amount of material that has taken on tiny botryoidal formations on its surface. The Malachite has a dull luster and is opaque, and acts as a matrix for several patches of dark blue azurite. The azurite occurs in a semicrystalline form that shows an intense amount of pitting. One can see light reflect off of faces in the material, but no definite crystalline shapes or forms are visible. This material has the standard dark blue color of azurite, has a pearly luster, and is opaque. There are a few substantial veins of more azurite trapped in the Malachite matrix, but even that material still shows crystalline tendencies. There is no host rock to speak of. I believe that this piece is actually a part of a crust that was broken off. One side of this crust shows some heavy weathering, and the azurite patches that are exposed there are decomposed, and have a black color and no luster. This specimen intrigues me quite a bit- I really want to find out more about its formation.

Dims: 3.7" x 2.5" x 1.5" (9.4 x 6.4 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 6.67 oz. (189.0 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Part of a sandstone crust makes up the base for this specimen, upon which lie two crusts of intergrown specular Malachite crystals. The crusts are in generally good condition, with some noticeable damage in the form of crushed crystals. Though very small (a loupe or other magnification is needed to see them clearly) and mostly incomplete, these crystals have some of the best form that I have seen in Malachite, with definable edges and smooth faces that have a vitreous luster, giving one of the crusts a sparkle. They have a flat tabular habit and are shaped like spearheads, resembling some descloizites that I have seen. However, intense intergrowth makes this somewhat difficult to determine. Their color is a deep green, and individual crystals are at least translucent. The other crust's crystals are aggregated into rounded botryoidal clusters. Its crystals are considerably smaller and less complete, but there are a few visible bladed crystals gathered together in one spot. I could have a "field day" with this specimen if I had a decent microscope with a camera hookup!

Dims: 2.5" x 2.3" x 1.3" (6.4 x 5.8 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 8.93 oz. (253.2 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Likely my personal favorite as far as our Malachite selection goes, this piece consists of a single piece of massive Malachite that has been ground into a flat, 5-sided tabular shape and polished to a high sheen. It is made up of densely compact, intergrown botryoidal formations that show a beautiful forest-green coloration and subtle banded color zonation in concentric, ringlike patterns. The underside of the specimen is unpolished and only partially ground smooth, with a depression showing pitting that has a very botryoidal appearance. There is no host rock of any sort left on the piece. It would probably make the perfect paperweight for the person that loves the color green, or just likes Malachite in particular.

Dims: 5.5" x 4.0" x 3.5" (6.4 x 5.8 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 6 oz. (1.532 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Though this large chunk of Malachite is not shaped or polished very well, it is still very attractive as a decorative piece, and generous as part of a lapidarist's supply. The cutting job that it has accentuates a few botryoidal formations that the rough material originally had, but most are ground smooth. It has the classic green coloration of all Malachite, and shows excellent color zonation, with the contrast of alternating pale and deep green bands in concentric patterns. A substantial portion of the piece is not polished at all, and shows flat, sawn faces that have not been ground down. This unpolished area also shows many crevices that extend into the piece; looking into these crevices, one can see botryoidal or maybe even stalactitic forms that the natural Malachite has taken. Even though (or maybe because) this specimen hasn't been finished, something about it is very attractive to me... it is probably the lapidarist in me, thinking about what I could make out of it.

Dims: 4.6" x 3.5" x 1.7" (11.7 x 8.9 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 12.3 oz. (801 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This rather massive specimen consists of a polished cluster of botryoidal Malachite formations. It is in excellent condition, and there are only a few small scratches on one of the formations that constitute the total damage. The color is, of course, green, and different shades are concentrically banded, forming visible rings and lines of varying texture and thickness. There is a crevice among the formations that contains a small amount of unpolished surface area, but that is the only spot that has not been affected by humans. The underside of the specimen, while not being polished, has been ground down to a somewhat smooth but uneven surface.

Dims: 6.4" x 4.3" x 2.3" (16.3 x 10.9 x 5.8 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 13.3 oz. (1.285 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This partially polished chunk of Malachite has the classic green banded coloration that one expects of the mineral. Approximately 40% of its surface area has been polished to a pearly luster, though there are a few scratches in more exposed spots. The unpolished areas tend to incorporate hollows and crevices in the rock which cannot be reached with a grinding wheel. There are no definite botryoidal formations visible on the piece, which could be used as a decoration or a supply of cabbing rough with equal effectiveness. One might even be able to create a beautiful bowl or dish out of the piece with patient work.

Dims: 7.4" x 4.9" x 2.7" (18.8 x 12.4 x 6.9 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 8.0 oz. (1.587 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Over 50% of this Malachite piece's surface area has been polished. It originally occurred as a section of a botryoidal crust, and warped but concentric circular patterns of banded light- and dark-green Malachite are readily visible on the "top" of the piece. The areas of the piece that are not polished all incorporate crevices or hollows that a grinding wheel would not be able to reach. The "bottom" of the piece is basically such a hollow. There is a considerable amount of a pale beige, powdery substance lining most of the hollow that I believe is polishing compound that was never washed out. It hides most of the surface, but the visible spots also exhibit small but definite botryoidal formations. A few of the areas show the sparkle of microscopic crystals, but most of the unpolished areas have a waxy luster. It is a very beautiful piece that I might just have to purchase myself!

Dims: 2.8" x 2.1" x 2.0" (7.1 x 5.3 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 5.01 oz. (141.9 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This lovely little specimen consists of what seems to be a shale matrix that has been repeatedly bisected by veins of Malachite and Chrysocolla that intersect each other in the rock. The Malachite has the standard dark green color and a dull luster that ranges to silky where one can see compact, radial aggregates. The chrysocolla occurs as a massive, pale blue material that is somewhat chalky in consistency. A few small pockets that are visible along some of the thicker veins show some almost botryoidal formation, along with the radial habit. There is one large hollow in the host rock, though, that contains many well-defined botryoidal nodules of Malachite, with a beautiful silky luster. These nodules do not exceed 0.2" (5 mm), so it is best that one examines them under magnification. I think that this is a really neat little piece to look at.

Dims: 3.1" x 2.6" x 2.1" (7.9 x 6.6 x 5.3 cm)

Wt: 12.0 oz. (340 g)

Mashamba Mine, Zaire

I have been waiting for a long time to see a specimen such as this- I did not think that any existed! Upon a host rock of calcite and assorted copper minerals lay several clusters of visible Malachite crystals. They are extremely large, measuring up to 4 x 3 x 1 mm, and so are easily visible. They are in generally excellent condition, showing only very small spots of damage in the most exposed areas. The crystals have an unusual monoclinic bladed form with a generally rhombic shape from the side and a narrow wedge-shape from the top. Their form is very well-defined, however. Their color is an exceptionally deep forest-green; they are so dark that even in sunlight, the crystals are only dimly translucent at their thinnest edges! They have a bright, vitreous luster that, with their deep color, provides intense contrast from the pale blues and dull greens of the fibrous, massive Malachite and other copper minerals in the base rock. I have not seen Malachite crystals of this size or form before- it is a truly amazing specimen to behold!

Dims: 5.0" x 2.7" x 1.4" (12.7 x 6.9 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 9.37 oz. (265.5 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This rather simple specimen consists of a thick slab of brown host rock that has three hollows, all of which are partially coated with a thin Malachite crust. The Malachite has the standard dark-green color and silky-to-pearly luster that is common. There are many round, botryoidal nodules emanating from the crust (see the close-up image)- some of these nodules are broken or only partially-formed, and one can see that they are made up of many radiating, needlelike crystals. There are a few small patches of a pale-blue material that could be any one of a variety of minerals, but are probably made of chrysocolla. There is also a very thin layer of a dull, pale gray material that is sandwiched between the Malachite and the host rock. I have no idea what it may be.

Dims: 3.4" x 3.2" x 1.7" (8.6 x 8.1 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 1.1 oz. (486 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This rather simple specimen consists of a formless chunk of massive, banded Malachite, most of whose surface has been polished. It shows the subtle pale and deep green banding that is a hallmark of Malachite and its polish is reasonably good, though there are some areas that are still a bit rough. The backside of the piece has not been completely ground down, and that particular area is not polished (see the close-up image). It shows several crevices that extend less than 0.4" (1 cm) into the material; the surfaces of these crevices show the Malachite's botryoidal tendencies as well as a small amount of weathered material.

Dims: 4.0" x 2.8" x 1.6" (10.2 x 7.1 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 8.45 oz. (239.7 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

The bulk of this pretty specimen is composed of countless intergrown sprays of compact, fibrous Malachite needles. These needles do not seem to exceed 0.4" (1.0 cm) in length, and are so fine that one might have difficulty even seeing a singluar crystal! It is difficult to determine the extent of the damage to the piece, if there is any. The sprays have the standard deep green coloration and show a beautiful, silky luster that reminds me of velour fabric. They are essentially opaque due to their compact nature and intergrowth. The specimen is permeated in some areas by bits of a slightly weathered pale brown host rock that has a rather crumbly texture. I do love the luster of the Malachite on this piece, might have to purchase it for myself if it sticks around for a while.

Dims: 3.0 x 2.3 x 2.1" (7.6 x 5.8 x 5.3 cm)

Wt: 5.6 oz. (158.2 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

A thin crust of massive and microcrystalline Malachite coats part of the dull pink and black base of this small hand specimen. This crust is in moderately good condition, showing a few spots of minor damage and some noticeable breakage on its most exposed points. Its reniform habit is intense- the nodules that constitute it are well-defined and easy to study, and range in diameter from 2 mm or less up to 0.4" (1.0 cm). The crust has a dark green coloration, though broken areas show that it is made up of many layers, some of which are much paler in color. The outer surface also has a sparkly sheen that is caused by a druse of almost sub-microscopic Malachite crystals that coats the crust. It is likely that they also contribute to the dark color. The base appears to be made of a dull pink limestone and associated layers of dull, black decomposed malachite or azurite.

Dims: 2.1 x 2.0 x 1.3" (5.3 x 5.1 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 6.06 oz. (171.8 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This large thumbnail speciemen consists of a partly polished chunk of reniform Malachite. Those surfaces that have beem polished show a glossy sheen, whereas the one unpolished surface has been partly ground flat and has a matte luster. It has the standard green color with classic banding of light and dark green hues. A few small areas on the specimen have not been well-sanded, but are still polished. Obviously, there is no host rock of any sort.

Dims: 2.7 x 2.6 x 1.7" (6.9 x 6.6 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 9.26 oz. (262.5 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This small hand specimen consists of a partly-polished section of a botryoidal Malachite formation. Some portions of its surface have been ground but not polished, but those areas that are polished have smooth, rounded surfaces and a moderately high gloss. They show the classic pale and deep green banding that is the primary characteristic of massive Malachite, and botryoidal form is evident from their circular, concentric patterns. The areas that are not cut or polished show more tactile evidence of botryoidal form in the guise of round, intersecting depressions, whose surfaces have an utterly matte luster and appear to be coated with a fine, pale brown dust. There is no host rock present, of course. Such a piece would make a reasonably good paperweight, or possibly acceptable material for

Dims: 4.7 x 2.8 x 2.0" (11.9 x 7.1 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 2.7 oz. (529 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Several small patches of crystalline "moss" Malachite rest on the base of this hand specimen. Each patch of this material consists of several intersecting clusters of tiny Malachite needles. These needles do not exceed 2 mm in length and are far thinner than 1 mm, and so magnification must be used to study them. All have the classic green coloration of Malachite and a pearly luster that appears silky when the cluster is viewed as a whole. They rest on a thick layer of white crystalline calcite that coats a pink-brown limestone base.

Dims: 5.5 x 4.2 x 3.2" (14.0 x 10.7 x 8.1 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 8.7 oz. (1.153 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Several thin crusts of "Moss Malachite" rest on the thick calcareous base of this specimen. Each of these crusts is made up of thousands of microscopic Malachite needles, most of which appear to be slightly crushed. These needles do not exceed 1 or 2 mm in length, and are much thinner than a human hair. All have the classic green coloration of their species and a pearly luster that gives each crust a velvet-like shimmer. They rest upon a white crystalline calcite base that shows some obvious damage, but also shows some good trigonal prismatic form. This crust in turn coats a pinkish-brown limestone base.

Dims: 4.3 x 3.7 x 1.7" (10.9 x 9.4 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 8.94 oz. (253.5 g)

Morocco

This hand specimen consists almost entirely of a misshapen chunk of Malachite. Most of it shows some sort of botryoidal form and some nearly microscopic crystals are evident, but most of the material is heavily worn and quite dull. All has the classic green color of Malachite, and the beds of fine crystals possess a silky luster, but all is essentially opaque. There are a few small patches of crystalline azurite present on the piece, however. The crystals that form these patches are microscopic in size, but obviously have some discernable crystal form, as they show a dull sparkle. Their color is the classic dark, azure-blue, and their luster is pearly or brighter. Some areas of the Malachite show a brownish coloration, making me think that there is some form of base rock beneath, though there is no definite evidence.

Dims: 2.2 x 1.7 x 1.3" (5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 2.55 oz. (72.5 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Eight complete and partial Malachite clusters rest on the small reddish base of this specimen. These clusters reach 0.4" (1.0 cm) in diameter and are generally in good condition, though 2 show slight damage and 2 are rather heavily damaged. Each of these clusters is made up of hundreds of compact, fibrous Malachite needles, each of which is about as thin as a human hair. The Malachite has the classic green coloration of its species, and the surface of each cluster has a dull, almost satiny luster. Many smaller sprays of Malachite needles rest on the druse of tiny calcites around the larger clusters. This calcite druse coats the limestone host rock.

Dims: 5.0 x 3.2 x 2.1" (12.7 x 8.1 x 5.3 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 11.3 oz. (775 g)

Kolwezi, Zaire

Several veins of massive, layered Malachite partly coat and extend through the pale brown shale host of this specimen. One of these layers has been ground down and polished to a moderate gloss. It shows layers that range in color from pale to deep green, though the pale is much more prevalent. The rest of the material, being untouched, is rough in texture and completely dull in luster.

Dims: 7.0 x 5.2 x 4.0" (17.8 x 13.2 x 10.2 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 7.9 oz. (1.132 kg)

Kolwezi, Zaire

This odd piece consists of 3 layers of crystalline calcite, "moss" Malachite, and massive chrysocolla that extend through and coat a pale brown limestone host rock. The Malachite occurs in clusters of fibrous, radiating needles that are in moderately good condition and appear to have good monoclinic form. They are small, not exceeding 0.3" (8 mm) in length or 1 mm in diameter, and have the classic dark green color and a pearly luster that gives the clusters a silky sheen. It would appear that much of the Malachite has pseudomorphed into chrysocolla, as many long, stalactitic formations consist of a shell of chrysocolla surrounding a Malachite core (see the second image). The chrysocolla has a very pale blue color, a chalky consistency, and a positively dull luster. A large amount of dull yellow crystalline calcite is also present- it shows definite crystal form, but this form is warped by its intergrowth with itself and the Malachite and chrysocolla.

Dims: 8.6 x 8.6 x 2.9" (21.8 x 21.8 x 7.4 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 15.6 oz. (1.804 kg)

Chihuahua, Mexico

Several very thin crusts of massive and semicrystalline malachite partly coat the limonite host rock of this large piece. If any crystals exist, they are microscopic in size. The Malachite has a generally pale green coloration and a dull to nearly silky luster and is partly covered by large crusts of crystalline, almost stalactitic calcite. The calcite is generally gray or white in color and waxy in luster and consists of heavily intergrown trigonal blades that do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in diameter.

Dims: 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.3" (10.8 x 7.0 x 3.4 cm)

Wt: 2.85 oz. (81.0 g)

Arizona, U.S.A.

Many clusters and round nodules of Malachite rest on this hand specimen. These are quite tiny, not generally exceeding 0.1" (3 mm) in length or diameter, and are in very good condition. The clusters are made up of sprays of tiny, fine needles that have a pale green color and a silky luster, and the nodules are similarly colored, but are dull in luster. Some of the clusters are coated with a thick layer of transparent, crystalline calcite that has an almost botryoidal habit. The Malachite rests on a base of what appears to be azurite that is nearly completely decomposed and has a black color.

Dims: 3.7 x 2.5 x 1.1" (9.4 x 6.5 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 2.75 oz. (77.9 g)

Arizona, U.S.A.

Hundreds of sprays of tiny Malachite needles are scattered about the black host rock of this hand specimen. These sprays are generally in good condition and do not exceed 1 or 2 mm in length. Many are intergrown to form loose "crusts" that coat the base, and portions of these are further coated with tiny quartz druses. A few of the sprays have pseudomorphed into chrysocolla, and the black base was likely coated with an azurite crust that decomposed.

Dims: 3.8 x 2.5 x 1.3" (9.6 x 6.4 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 3.15 oz. (89.2 g)

Arizona, U.S.A.

The black host rock of this specimen holds scores of tiny intersecting sprays of Malachite needles. The sprays do not exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter and are generally in good condition, though some of the more exposed ones are crushed. The needles that make up each cluster are too small and fine to effectively study with a loupe, but likely have good monoclinic form. Their color is grass-green and their luster is pearly as individuals. They are coated in a few spots with thin quartz druses, and are accompanied by a few tiny chrysocolla pseudomorphs. The base rock might be colored black by a coating of decayed azurite.

Dims: 4.1 x 3.0 x 2.0" (10.4 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 12.7 oz. (361 g)

Arizona, U.S.A.

This small cabinet specimen consists of a few thin crusts of specular and crystalline Malachite that rest on a goethite/limonite base. Each crust appears to be made up of countless compact, radial Malachite needles, but hundreds of tiny terminations are visible on their surfaces. Under magnification, one can see that the crystals have excellent monoclinic form and a very deep green color and bright pearly luster. They also appear to be transparent, or at least brightly translucent. A few thin layers of cracked and decomposing chrysocolla rest between the Malachite crust and the base.

Dims: 4.2 x 3.8 x 1.3" (10.7 x 9.7 x 3.4 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 2.2 oz. (515 g)

Kolwezi, Shaba Province, Zaire

This cabinet specimen consists of a crust of specular Malachite that covers a brown, layered siliceous base. The Malachite crust has a definite compact, crystalline habit and shows some slight mammillary shapes on its surface. It has a moderately deep green color on its outer surface and a sparkle that appears to be caused by a druse of perhaps thousands of tiny, needle-like crystals. Its broken edge surfaces show a darker green color and a pearly luster.

Dims: 3.2 x 1.3 x 0.9" (8.2 x 3.3 x 2.4 cm)

Wt: 1.5 oz. (42 g)

Katanga, Shaba Province, Zaire

This hand specimen is made up entirely of intersecting, radial clusters of compact, fibrous Malachite needles. These needles are too intergrown to study as individuals, except maybe under high magnification. The clusters are generally incorporated into one or two intersecting crusts, though one can discern their individuality. The mineral shows the classic green color, though depth of this color varies widely, and exhibits a silky luster that is sometimes referred to as velvet or moss malachite. There is no other mineral or rock present.

Dims:3.2x2.2x1.0" (8.1x5.6x2.5 cm)

Wt: 2.1oz. (60g)

Zaire

This specimen appears to be a mass of crushed green velvet, or perhaps satin. The entire specimen consists of a crust of intergrown nodules of malachite, with no matrix present. On the face of this specimen are a pair of intergrown crystals of an unidentified mineral I believe might be calcite or perhaps cerussite. The crystal terminations are incomplete, and growths of malachite obscure the view. The only damage to this specimen is on the edges, where it was broken away from the matrix. Most unusual!

Dims: 4.2 x 3.8 x 1.3" (10.7 x 9.7 x 3.4 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 2.2 oz. (515 g)

Kolwezi, Shaba Province, Zaire

This small specimen is mostly Malachite by wieght, in two different habits. The bulk of the specimen is a somewhat massive form of malachite in layers radiating through a soft pale green mineral. On top of that is a crust of fine deep green malachite crystals forming a layer of "moss malachite". This crust has a nice sheen, and in places has a radial appearance.

Dims: 2.25x2.6x2.3" (5.7x6.6x6.0 cm)

Wt: 7.9 oz (224 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This malachite specimen has a very good appearance. The malachite is a very sparkly deep green crust, averaging about 3mm thick, over a thin layer of what looks like rosasite, which itself covers a thicker layer of chrysocolla, which covers another layer of malachite, and so on. Examination under a loupe reveals that the malachite layer consists of both deep green malachite and black (motramite?) crystals, and the surface sparkles due to tiny transparent malachite crystals over a dark background. Indeed, from some angles, the horizons of the botryoidal malachite formations glow green from the myriad tiny malachite crystals that extend a fraction of a millimeter above the darker base. This is a very nice malachite specimen.

Dims: 4.3x2.8x2.3" (11.0x7.2x5.8 cm)

Wt: 8.71 oz (246.5 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This hand specimen of malachite consists mostly of malachite as the matrix holding some very soft white rocks (soapstone?) together. The surface malachite has a very interesting appearance. It consists of elongated fibrous crystals with a moss-like appearance, and the color from most angles is a deep velvet green but from other angles it glows a light green. Under a loupe, the individual acicular crystals of malachite resolve, and they are translucent. The loupe also reveals many botryoidal crusts of a black mineral, perhaps mottramite, interspersed with the malachite.

Dims: 2.9x1.75x1.6" (7.4x4.4x4.1 cm)

Wt: 2.37 oz (67.1 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

While there are thick areas contributing most of this specimen's weight, it's area is largely provided by an eggshell-like thickness of malachite upon which a moss-like layer and several interesting sprays of malacite crystals have grown. Close examination reveals that the darker areas are actually a black mineral which I believe to be mottramite. In many areas (even the leafy sprays of crystals), from some angles the appearance is black, yet from others it is a bright (almost glowing) green. Since the straight-on appearance is black, while the view from the side is green, it must be that the individual needles appear green from the side but black from the top. My loupe cannot resolve any detail in their form.

Dims: 3.0x2.5x1.5" (7.6x6.3x3.8 cm)

Wt: 4.38 oz (124 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This specimen formed as a layer of mossy malachite crystals in a cavity of the host soapstone (mostly removed). The soft malachite sprays have a light green sheen from some angles, and are a dark green color from others. In places, the green malachite gradually changes to a black mineral, likely mottramite.

Dims: 3.1x2.4x1.4" (7.9x6.2x3.6 cm)

Wt: 5.33 oz (151 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This specimen is nearly all malachite. The malachite is mostly a thick crust of botryoidal growth lining what was a cavity in the host soapstone. As such, the crystals are well protected, and the edges of the specimen show the radiating fibers of malachite that form the crust. There are also numerous mossy leaf-like crystals growing above the crust. These have a bright green sheen from some angles.

Dims: 4.7x2.9x2.0" (12.1x7.4x5.0 cm)

Wt: 9.8 oz (277 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This specimen is mostly soapstone by weight, and a cavity in the original rock is lined with malachite, which now covers most of the top surface - only part of the cavity still exists as one. The malachite is bright green, and consists of mossy clusters of fine green crystals which have a good sheen. Inside the cavity, there are many radiating clusters of malachite crystals composed of fine acicular needles. There is also a black mineral present, which I believe to be motramite.

Dims: 2.2x1.8x1.6" (5.7x4.7x4.0 cm)

Wt: 2.47 oz (70.0 g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

The malachite crystals on this specimen are arranged in unusually long blades of green velvet. Some are arranged in sprays, almost like a flower arrangment. The malachite rests on a base of black motramite. From some angles, the malachite is a very bright green, yet from others, it looks dark, almost black. This may be due to tiny motramite crystals extending beyond the malachite, invisible from end on, and quite black when viewed edge-on.

Dims: 2.8x1.5x0.6" (7.2x3.8x1.6cm)

Wt: 0.82 oz (23.2g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

From a thin shell of malachite sprouts numerous clusters and growths of velvety malachite. Some structures are mossy in appearance, others look like small green corals, and others just look like stalactites. All of the malachite has a velvet appearance due to the millions of tiny, acicular crystals from which it is formed. Nestled throughout the malachite is an even distribution of slightly longer brochantite crystals, which gives a black appearance along the side view, while a direct view still looks bright green. This is a nice optical effect.

Dims: 1.8x1.4x1.0" (4.7x3.5x2.6cm)

Wt: 1.45 oz (40.9g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

Here, a cavity in the host rock developed a thick layer of chrysocola, with an inner coating of malachite. Close examination reveals that the radiating clusters of malachite are intergrown with the chrysocola except at the ends. This malachite has an abundance of brochantite crystals, gifing it a black appearance from some angles, yet green from others. The colors of this specimen make a nice contrast.

Dims: 5.1x1.7x1.7" (12.9x4.4x4.3cm)

Wt: 5.39oz (152.4g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This malachite specimen has a 2mm thick layer of botryoidal malachite coating the inside of a cavity in the host rock, plus several areas of moss-like malachite crystals. Where the edges are exposed, it is easy to see that the malachite has bright and dark bands and has a radial crystal pattern. The dark is nearly black, and is due to a high fraction of motramite crystals, which make the botryoidal surface appear nearly black. Under a loupe, the mossy malachite is translucent and intensly green, and a thin layer of malachite coats the surface of the motramite to varying degrees.

Dims: 2.52x1.78x0.67" (6.39x4.51x1.70cm)

Wt: 0.80oz (22.7g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

I just love the play of color on these Katanga malachite specimens. Most surfaces appear black, dark gray, dark green, or bright silky green depending upon the angle at which it is viewed. The luster varies from dull to silky - there is a chatoyant effect. All this is caused by the surface texture, due to fine velvety crystals of bright green malachite and black motramite coating the surface. The specimen was essentially a thin shell over a host rock, which has been removed.

Dims: 2.21x1.35x0.87" (5.62x3.43x2.20cm)

Wt: 0.76oz (21.5g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This small Katanga malachite specimen shows the beautiful bright green malachite crystals that are look like a velvety moss. And while bright green from some angles, the individual clusters change to a dark green or even black appearance from others, due to an intergrowth of very fine motramite crystals. Some of the edges reveal the radial growth pattern of the malachite, as the broken edges display the interior of the crystal clusters.

Dims: 4.20x2.22x0.84" (10.67x5.63x2.12cm)

Wt: 6.69oz (189.3g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

I like this specimen of malachite, as it consists of a crust of botryoidal malachite that lined a crevice in a host rock (since removed). Exposed in the cavity are many moss-like blades of velvety malachite. The malachite shell is bright green, lustrous, and slightly chatoyant. The interior malachite is dark green, almost black, due to an intergrowth of black motramite crystals. There is also a bit of the original host rock present, and it feels like talc.

Dims: 2.75x3.09x1.74" (6.98x7.84x4.43cm)

Wt: 7.31oz (207g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This malachite specimen consists of a crust of dark green acicular malachite crystals, with several distinct bright green sprays and two mounds of crystals which show a contact termination on top. From some angles the malachite structures have a bright green silky appearance. A loupe reveals that the malachite crystals are bright green and transparent, and are intergrown with black motramite crystals which provide the dark appearance. There is an area where the motramite takes on a botryoidal iron-gray appearance, instead of the needles present on most of the specimen. The host rock is talc, which shows some indications of crystal form.

Dims: 4.55x3.21x2.37" (11.56x8.17x6.02cm)

Wt: 14.45oz (409g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This is a rather spectacular malachite specimen, although it needs a display stand to present its best face. A cavity in a talc deposit has become lined with a malachite shell, upon which a bed of mossy malachite has formed. The malachite is very bright green with a silky luster, and its appearance varies with the viewing angle due to an intergrowth of tiny black motramite needles which hide the malachite when viewed on edge. The malachite occurs in several formations, including flat velvet sheets, arborescent sprays, and some radial clusters. In a few places, the motramite dominates and creates a black backdrop to the malachite.

Dims: 3.87x3.06x1.66" (9.83x7.78x4.22cm)

Wt: 12.20oz (346g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

This specimen has several dense sheets of malachite crystals that originally lined a cavity in the host talc, most of which has been removed. The edges show the radial growth pattern of intergrown malachite and brochantite crystals. Between the sheets are protected areas now exposing mossy sprays and a velvety carpet of malachite with a bright green appearance from some angles and a dark, even black appearance from others, due to the motramite needles which extend slightly beyond the malachite. The front "sheet" of malachite shows a silky luster, nearly a chatoyancy, due to the fine needles of which it is composed.

Dims: 2.41x1.94x1.18" (6.12x4.92x2.99cm)

Wt: 1.78oz (50.4g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

There is quite a bit of white talc on this malachite specimen. The talc (on both the top and bottom) has the usual greasy feel and white color, contrasting nicely with the bright green and dark (almost black) green of the malachite. The malachite crystals are very nice - a loupe reveals that they are individually too thick to be called "acicular", and are clearly transparent (no pun intended). Many of the malachite crystals have an excellent prismatic form, and a radial clustering pattern. The smaller crystals (properly acicular) form mossy aggregates, and have a silky luster. While there is less of the motramite crystals than in many specimens from this locale, they are still sufficiently present to color the mossy agregates black when viewed on end, and these do appear bright green from the side. This specimen is fascinating to examine with a high-power loupe, as there are beautiful flat malachite clusters and some larger individual crystals in radial clusters growing against the talc.

Dims: 3.91x2.38x1.69" (9.93x6.04x4.29cm)

Wt: 10.09oz (286g)

Kalukaluku Mine, Katanga Proirng, Congo

Another Kalukaluku malachite specimen, although this one feels heavier than most this size. That is because the malachite nearly filled the cavity in the host talc, leaving few voids. There is a bit of the talc remaining, as an off-white crust with a greasy feel. The malachite is easily seen to be a botryoidal crust, centimeters thick in places, with a radial pattern of intensely green transparent acicular crystals, often intergrown with black motramite crystals which have a different habit in some areas. The malachite in the cavity is generally darker than most, with only a little of the velvety luster so often seen in these specimens. However, there is one large spary of pure bright green malachite, almost like an isolated spray of moss leaves, and under a loupe these look like stiff, bright green ropes.

Dims: 1.98x1.88x0.88" (5.02x4.78x2.23cm)

Wt: 2.08oz (59.1g)

Kambove Mine, Katanga, Congo

This lovely specimen displays a druze of excellent deep green malachite crystals on a crust of light blue or turquoise colored chrysocola. These lined a cavity in a brown host rock, and this specimen exposes a portion of that cavity. The malachite crystals are tiny and individually transparent. They appear to be distorted hexagonal blades stacked into clusters. They may be pseudomorphs of azurite, except that I can find no hint of azurite on this specimen, plus the terminations don't look like typical wedge shaped ones of azurite.

Dims: 3.54x2.36x2.01" (8.99x6.00x5.09cm)

Wt: 10.05oz (285g)

Kambove Mine, Katanga, Congo

This colorful specimen displays several large clusters of dark green botryoidal clusters of malachite on a crust of tiiny sky-blue balls of chrysocolla. They, in turn, cover a black mineral that looks like goethite, and lastly that lies over a thick layer of a green agate (with malachite the likely coloring agent). In other cavities, there are tiny but pretty transparent and well-formed crystals of malachite.

dims mm=53.58x40.11x31.53

wt g=50.5

Kambove Mine, Katanga, Congo

This pretty specimen shows excellent very dark green (almost black) crystals of malachite against a sky blue backdrop of chrysocolla. A loupe and bright lights reveal that the malachite is transparent and the intergrown crystals have a vitrious luster.

dims mm=51.16x47.09x31.51

wt g=50.2

Kambove Mine, Katanga, Congo

Against a backdrop of lovely blue chrysocola lie hundreds of small transparent green crystals of malachite. And covering much of that are radial clusters of malachite & motramite crystals which look nearly black when viewed into complete clusters - only the few broken clusters reveal the mixture of malachite and motramite that undoubtedly exist within all of the clusters.