This attractive Aragonite on Botryoidal Malachite specimen from the renowned Kolwezi Region in the Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, displays a beautiful combination of colour, texture and crystal habit. Rounded botryoidal Malachite in rich shades of green is accented by brilliant white Aragonite clusters and delicate radiating crystal sprays, creating an elegant natural display.
The Malachite exhibits the classic grape-like growth habit for which the Katanga Copperbelt is famous. Its surface is coated with fine drusy crystals that give the specimen a soft, velvety sparkle. Throughout the specimen are contrasting white Aragonite formations, including rounded aggregates and delicate sprays of slender crystals that add exceptional detail and visual interest. Despite its slim profile, this specimen offers remarkable depth and an impressive display face.
Specimen Details
✓ Mineral: Malachite
✓ Associated Minerals: Aragonite
✓ Locality: Kolwezi Region, Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
✓ Crystal System: Monoclinic (Malachite & Aragonite)
✓ Colour: Emerald to Deep Green with White Aragonite
✓ Lustre: Velvety to Silky (Malachite); Vitreous to Pearly (Aragonite)
✓ Transparency: Opaque (Malachite); Translucent to Opaque (Aragonite)
✓ Crystal Habit: Botryoidal Malachite with Rounded Aragonite Aggregates and Radiating Crystal Sprays
✓ Specimen Size: Approximately 102 mm × 49 mm × 15 mm
✓ Weight: 96 g
The Katanga Copperbelt is internationally recognised for producing some of the world's finest copper minerals. Over millions of years, copper-rich hydrothermal fluids deposited layers of Malachite within fractures and cavities, forming the distinctive botryoidal shapes seen in specimens from this classic locality. In certain environments, later mineralising events introduced Aragonite, creating the attractive white crystal sprays and rounded formations that contrast beautifully against the rich green Malachite.
This specimen is especially appealing for its abundance of delicate Aragonite crystal sprays nestled between the rounded Malachite formations. The contrasting colours, varied crystal habits and fine drusy texture reward close examination, while the elongated shape makes it an elegant cabinet specimen for display.
Whether you're beginning your mineral collecting journey, expanding an African mineral collection, or searching for an unusual copper mineral association, this Aragonite on Botryoidal Malachite is a distinctive specimen that beautifully showcases the mineral diversity of the famous Kolwezi mining district.
