The Mashamba West mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is famous for its superb specimens of primary Malachite and this cabinet specimen is an exemplary example and without doubt of museum quality. The term primary Malachite refers to Malachite occurring in its natural crystal habit which, strangely, is something not common in nature, as it commonly forms botryoidal masses and pseudomorphs. The crystal form of this specimen can best be described as like the roof of the Sydney Opera House, only much more complex! Curved, saddle-shaped dark forest green crystals drape over one another to form a magnificent arching dome covering a matrix of turquoise to powder blue Chrysocolla. The individual Malachite crystals are typically 2 cm wide and are opaque with a wonderful glassy lustre. This is a fabulous specimen of rare primary Malachite from the DRC.
