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1.75" Chrysocolla and Malachite Pseudomorph - Lupoto Mine, Congo
This is a vibrant specimen featuring chrysocolla and malachite that formed as a pseudomorph after another mineral. It is debated as to whether the mineral that has been replaced was azurite, gypsum, heterogenite or barite. It was collected from the Lupoto Mine in the Katanga Province of Congo.
It has been mounted to an acrylic display stand.
It has been mounted to an acrylic display stand.
About The Lupoto Mine
The Lupoto Mine is a copper-cobalt deposit in the Katanga Copper Crescent of Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Situated roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi, the mine occupies part of the Kalumines property, a region known for reduced-facies copper deposits hosted in dolomitic shales. This geological environment is ideal for the formation of vividly colored secondary copper minerals that have made Lupoto increasingly well-regarded among mineral collectors.
Lupoto is best known for its exceptional chrysocolla–malachite pseudomorphs. These specimens often form dramatic jackstraw clusters or stalactitic “fingers” where earlier azurite or malachite crystals have been partially or completely replaced by vibrant sky-blue chrysocolla. Many pieces exhibit complex, multi-stage alteration sequences—azurite transforming to malachite, then overgrown or replaced by chrysocolla—producing sculptural shapes with rich turquoise and emerald tones. In some cases a sparkling drusy quartz coating adds extra brilliance, making these pieces stand out in displays.
The Lupoto Mine is a copper-cobalt deposit in the Katanga Copper Crescent of Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Situated roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi, the mine occupies part of the Kalumines property, a region known for reduced-facies copper deposits hosted in dolomitic shales. This geological environment is ideal for the formation of vividly colored secondary copper minerals that have made Lupoto increasingly well-regarded among mineral collectors.
Lupoto is best known for its exceptional chrysocolla–malachite pseudomorphs. These specimens often form dramatic jackstraw clusters or stalactitic “fingers” where earlier azurite or malachite crystals have been partially or completely replaced by vibrant sky-blue chrysocolla. Many pieces exhibit complex, multi-stage alteration sequences—azurite transforming to malachite, then overgrown or replaced by chrysocolla—producing sculptural shapes with rich turquoise and emerald tones. In some cases a sparkling drusy quartz coating adds extra brilliance, making these pieces stand out in displays.
About Malachite
Malachite is an intense green copper-based mineral that can be found in a wide variety of forms. Malachite can grow in botryoidal masses, stalactitic formations, and reniform formations, typically as a tight cluster of fanning fibrous needles that make up a seemingly solid mass. As layers continue to stack during formation, banded patterns can sometimes begin to take shape, explaining the rings in all shades of green seen on most polished malachite specimens.
Malachite results from the weathering of other copper ores, and is very often found associated with other copper-based minerals such as azurite and chrysocolla. It can be found in copper deposits around the world, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the primary source for polished malachite and mineral specimens.
Malachite has been prized since ancient times, first as a utilitarian copper ore, then as an ornamental stone. Due to its value as a decorative stone, it is rarely mined as a copper ore anymore.
Malachite is an intense green copper-based mineral that can be found in a wide variety of forms. Malachite can grow in botryoidal masses, stalactitic formations, and reniform formations, typically as a tight cluster of fanning fibrous needles that make up a seemingly solid mass. As layers continue to stack during formation, banded patterns can sometimes begin to take shape, explaining the rings in all shades of green seen on most polished malachite specimens.
Malachite results from the weathering of other copper ores, and is very often found associated with other copper-based minerals such as azurite and chrysocolla. It can be found in copper deposits around the world, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the primary source for polished malachite and mineral specimens.
Malachite has been prized since ancient times, first as a utilitarian copper ore, then as an ornamental stone. Due to its value as a decorative stone, it is rarely mined as a copper ore anymore.
SPECIES
Chrysocolla & Malachite
LOCATION
Lupoto Mine, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo
SIZE
1.75 x 1.45"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#204933
