3.2" Chatoyant Velvet Malachite Formation - Shilu Mine, China

This is a phenomenal, botryoidal malachite specimen that was collected from the Shilu Mine in the Guangdong Province of China. This malachite is in excellent condition and features a silky/chatoyant, deep green botryoidal formation that's comprised of densely packed malachite crystals. It would make an excellent addition to any mineral collection. Pictures alone don't quite do this specimen justice.

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.
FOR SALE
$125
DETAILS
SPECIES
Malachite
LOCATION
Shilu Mine, Yangchun, Guangdong Province, China
SIZE
3.2 x 2.6"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#223462