Reviews
1.7" Blue Veszelyite and Kipushite on Zincolibethenite - Congo
This is a gorgeous, 1.7" wide cluster of deep blue veszelyite crystals and kipushite that formed over blue-green zincolibethenite. It was collected from the hemimorphite zone of the Palabanda Quarry in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville).
It has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
It has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
About Veszelyite from Congo-Brazzaville
Veszelyite is a rare secondary copper and zinc mineral found in the oxidation zones of base metal deposits. Veszelyite crystals are typically emerald green, blue or a mixture of the two. They can be found as small, lustrous clusters peppered across other minerals or as crusts, but in rare cases they can also be found as dense crystal aggregations.
Veszelyite specimens from a recent (2019/2020) find in the Bouenza Department of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) are a perfect example of this rare instance of dense aggregations of veszelyite. Within the hemimorphite zone of the Palabanda Quarry, irregularly dispersed formations of this rare mineral were unearthed. They occurred in small brecciated/weathered cavities where most of the veszelyite formed as crusts, while some spots revealed well formed crystals over hemimorphite. The area that contained these crystals was mined over five months, the final two of which appeared to indicate that the pocket was completely exhausted.
Veszelyite is a rare secondary copper and zinc mineral found in the oxidation zones of base metal deposits. Veszelyite crystals are typically emerald green, blue or a mixture of the two. They can be found as small, lustrous clusters peppered across other minerals or as crusts, but in rare cases they can also be found as dense crystal aggregations.
Veszelyite specimens from a recent (2019/2020) find in the Bouenza Department of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) are a perfect example of this rare instance of dense aggregations of veszelyite. Within the hemimorphite zone of the Palabanda Quarry, irregularly dispersed formations of this rare mineral were unearthed. They occurred in small brecciated/weathered cavities where most of the veszelyite formed as crusts, while some spots revealed well formed crystals over hemimorphite. The area that contained these crystals was mined over five months, the final two of which appeared to indicate that the pocket was completely exhausted.
About Palabanda Quarry
Palabanda Quarry is a notable mineral locality in the M'fouati District of the Bouenza Department in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). Originally developed as an old copper prospect and later used as a limestone quarry, it lies within Neoproterozoic limestone hosting lead-zinc-copper mineralization and was intensively explored in the mid-20th century, with actual mining operations, including an ore plant and flotation pond, beginning around 2016 before the site’s closure in 2018. The quarry has since attracted attention from mineral collectors for spectacular secondary mineral finds such as veszelyite and hemimorphite, which form striking blue and blue-green crystalline specimens that have been unearthed in recent years and prized by enthusiasts worldwide. Additional notable minerals that have emerged over the years include zincolibethenite and kipushite.
Palabanda Quarry is a notable mineral locality in the M'fouati District of the Bouenza Department in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). Originally developed as an old copper prospect and later used as a limestone quarry, it lies within Neoproterozoic limestone hosting lead-zinc-copper mineralization and was intensively explored in the mid-20th century, with actual mining operations, including an ore plant and flotation pond, beginning around 2016 before the site’s closure in 2018. The quarry has since attracted attention from mineral collectors for spectacular secondary mineral finds such as veszelyite and hemimorphite, which form striking blue and blue-green crystalline specimens that have been unearthed in recent years and prized by enthusiasts worldwide. Additional notable minerals that have emerged over the years include zincolibethenite and kipushite.
$225
SPECIES
Veszelyite, Kipushite & Zincolibethenite
LOCATION
Palabanda Quarry, M'Fouati District, Bouenza Dept., Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville)
SIZE
1.7 x 1.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#351589
