Chalcocite (fine large crystals)

Item Description

Most of the minerals we see coming out of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) are secondary copper and lead species, but the old M'Passa Mine, was the source of crystallized sulfides (not yet altered into secondary minerals), and few people know that this locality produced some of the largest and most impressive examples of Chalcocite ever seen. Recently (2020-2021) a small amount of material was recovered from this locality, and they are superb examples of this copper sulfide mineral. This particular piece is a very good sized compound group of lustrous, metallic, silvery-grey colored (with a very slight bluish iridescence in areas) pseudohexagonal Chalcocite, measuring well over 2 inches (!), and free of matrix. The layered nature of the crystals creates a beautiful effect, with little "stacked" plates on one side, and an almost reverse effect can be seen on the other side, which looks more skeletal / "hoppered". The piece is in great condition, with no major damage, and it's nearly a complete "floater", with only one small point of contact on the base. A truly impressive and fine quality example that would make a stellar addition to any sulfide suite, a copper mineral collection or a collection of minerals from Republic of the Congo.