Quartz on Chrysocolla after Malachite after Gypsum: Tenke mine, Tenke-Fungurume Area, Lualaba, DR Congo

Species: Quartz on Chrysocolla after Malachite after Gypsum

Locality: Tenke mine, Tenke-Fungurume Area, Lualaba, DR Congo

Size: 20 x 18 x 11 cm. 

Wonderfully-aesthetic, superb large cabinet-size specimen from a 2024 find in the DR Congo, featuring sharp elongated “surfboard-shaped” crystals of what we believe was originally gypsum or anhydrite which has been replaced by malachite, then by chrysocolla, then overgrown by druzy quartz and a final generation of malachite. The final result is a supremely-aesthetic specimen the type of which it seems only the Congo could produce. We acquired the vast majority of the production from this locality in 2024 and are proud to have some superb examples at what I think are fair prices for the quality. This particular specimen is the best from a “special” pocket discovered at the mine in July of 2024 and is in remarkably good condition for it’s size, with numerous sharp, elongated crystals to 5+ cm. interspersed with aesthetic malachite spheres, partially coated with iron oxides and then lustrous druzy quartz. Sits perfectly for display on a flat base. Mark Cross photo.