Detailed information
Species
Cuprite, Malachite
Dimensions
35 x 65 x 31
mm
Weight
90 g
Locality
Mashamba West Mine Kolwezi mining district Lualaba, DR Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
This is a really significant Cuprite specimen for the dramatic size of its crystals which make up almost the entirety of this small cabinet-sized piece. They form a group of at least four large octahedral crystals, the largest and most complete of which reaches over 3 cm across. This crystal shows all four pyramid faces on one side, but with a couple of those interrupted where other intergrown octahedral crystals stick out of the surface. It does lack a little in its colour, as it is a very dark purple, but it presents with a quite glossy lustre in parts. Some crystal faces are coated in a film of orange-red Calcite and a few patches of bladed Malachite can seen in places on the surface. It is from Mashamba West mine which is historically known for large Cuprite crystals, but this is from a recent discovery and is most impressive.