MALACHITE "BULL'S-EYE". ...

Description

MALACHITE "BULL'S-EYE"
Kolwezi District, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
This Malachite "bull's-eye" is the end-cut of a stalactite from the "Copper Crescent" area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mines of the region intersect caves that are filled with formations of pure Malachite, one of the primary Copper ores they are searching for. Although most of the Malachite is crushed for Copper production, some of it is rescued for decorative and specimen value. The concentric rings of this Malachite "bull's-eye" are analogous to the "rings" of a tree, highlighting the deposition history of the stalactite itself. There a multitude of rings in various shades of green - from very light pale green all the way to an almost black version - indicating varying rates of mineralization at any specific point in time. This well polished specimen measures 3¾ x 3 3/8 inches (9.5 x 8.6 cm) and is 7/8 inches (2.2 cm) thick - in fine condition. Offered at no reserve.

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