Malaquita Acicular
Malaquita is a mineral with formula Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Mutshastha, Kolwezi, Lualaba, Alto Katanga, República Democrática del Congo (ex-Zaire) and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Acicular malachite crystals forming dense, compact bundles, locally block-like, with subparallel growth and fan-like arrangements. The colour is a deep, intense green with strong contrast on matrix.
History of this specimen
Acquired from Dan Weinrich. Held in customs for months along with another green mineral, a zincolivenite; only after a formal threat was it released. The seller "adjusted" the invoice and charge to avoid unnecessary fees. A memorable piece for its aesthetics and its history.
About Malaquita
A hydrated copper carbonate that forms in the oxidised zones of copper deposits. In the Kolwezi area it can develop acicular aggregates with silky lustre and very intense green colour, one of the most prized expressions of the species.
About the locality
Kolwezi is one of the classic localities for fibrous malachite. Specimens from Mutshatsha are notable for their colour intensity and fan-shaped crystals on dense matrix.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0094
- Composition
- Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Name
- Malaquita
- Variety
- Acicular
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Matriz ferruginosa o plumbífera
- Mine
- Mutshastha
- District / Municipality
- Kolwezi
- Province
- Lualaba
- Region
- Alto Katanga
- Country
- República Democrática del Congo (ex-Zaire)
- Size (cm)
- 5 x 4 x 3.5
- Weight
- 131.3 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "malache" (mallow), referring to its green colour similar to the leaves of that plant.
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Estable
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