This attractive Aragonite on Botryoidal Malachite specimen from the celebrated Kolwezi Region of the Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, displays a beautiful contrast between rich green botryoidal Malachite and bright white Aragonite crystals. The specimen's elongated form is covered in rounded Malachite domes, with scattered Aragonite clusters and delicate radiating crystal sprays adding texture and visual interest.
The Malachite exhibits the classic grape-like habit for which specimens from Kolwezi are renowned. A fine drusy coating gives the rounded surfaces a soft, velvety sparkle, while white Aragonite occurs as both smooth rounded aggregates and elegant sprays of slender crystals. The combination creates a specimen that is equally rewarding from a distance and under close examination.
Specimen Details
✓ Mineral: Malachite
✓ Associated Minerals: Aragonite
✓ Locality: Kolwezi Region, Katanga Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
✓ Crystal System: Monoclinic (Malachite & Aragonite)
✓ Colour: 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 48 mm × 95 mm × 19 mm
✓ Weight: 79 g
The Katanga Copperbelt is recognised worldwide as one of the finest sources of collectible copper minerals. Mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids circulating through carbonate rocks produced the distinctive botryoidal Malachite formations found in the region, while later mineralising events deposited Aragonite in cavities and across existing Malachite surfaces. This sequence of mineral formation results in the striking green-and-white contrast that makes these specimens so desirable.
This specimen stands out for its elegant vertical shape and evenly distributed Aragonite, which highlights the rounded Malachite formations without overwhelming them. The fine drusy texture, delicate crystal sprays and contrasting white crystal clusters provide exceptional visual appeal, making it an excellent display specimen despite its compact size.
Whether you're starting a mineral collection, expanding a suite of classic African copper minerals, or looking for a beautifully textured cabinet specimen, this Aragonite on Botryoidal Malachite is a superb example of the remarkable minerals produced by the famous Kolwezi mining district.
