This beautiful Fibrous Malachite specimen from the renowned Kolwezi Region in the Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, displays an exceptional covering of silky, radiating crystal sprays that resemble delicate green flowers. The combination of velvety textures, rich emerald-green colour and intricate crystal growth makes this an eye-catching display piece and an excellent addition to any mineral collection.
Specimen Details
✓ Mineral: Fibrous Malachite
✓ Locality: Kolwezi Region, Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
✓ Crystal System: Monoclinic
✓ Colour: Light to dark emerald green
✓ Lustre: Silky to velvety
✓ Transparency: Opaque
✓ Crystal Habit: Radiating fibrous rosettes with velvety botryoidal growth
✓ Specimen Size: Approximately 61 × 52 × 25 mm
✓ Weight: 84 g
Unlike the rounded botryoidal forms often associated with Malachite, this specimen is dominated by spectacular fan-shaped fibrous crystal growth. Thousands of microscopic needle-like crystals radiate from central points, creating soft rosettes with a silky, velvet-like appearance. Darker velvety Malachite between the crystal sprays provides beautiful contrast, while natural cavities add depth and character to the specimen.
Malachite forms in the oxidised zones of copper deposits, where copper-rich groundwater reacts with carbonate-bearing rocks over millions of years. The famous copper mines around Kolwezi are renowned for producing some of the world's finest fibrous and velvety Malachite specimens, making pieces from this locality highly sought after by collectors.
This specimen beautifully showcases the remarkable variety of crystal habits that Malachite can produce. Its intricate fibrous rosettes, vibrant natural colour and classic Congolese origin make it a distinctive collector's specimen that will stand out in any mineral display.
