Detailed information
Species
Malachite
Dimensions
34 x 46 x 104
mm
Weight
202 g
Locality
Mashamba West Mine Kolwezi mining district Lualaba, DR Congo
Condition
No recorded repairs
This individual Malachite stalactite comes from perhaps the most famous Malachite producer in the DR Congo - Mashamba West mine, in the Kolwezi mining district. With a trimmed, not sawn base, this stalactite stands perfectly for display, due to its slightly bulbous base (or top depending on if its is a stalactite or stalagmite) providing a better distribution of weight - lowering its centre of gravity. Reaching 10.4 cm tall this stalactite is fully formed and in great condition. The rear of its base is naturally narrower where it presumably formed in a confined position and along its length it displays characterful bands and bulges, showing how its growth was not uniform. Its outer surface is a dark forest-green with a shimmering, glossy, micaceous texture that is much more resilient to scuffing than some Malachite pieces. A fine example of this famous type of stalactite from the copper mines in DR Congo.