Cornetite (Type Locality)

Item Description

The famous extinct coppper and colbalt Star of the Congo Mine is the Type Locality for the rare hydroxyl Cu-phosphate, Cornetite. The front of the large sculptural plate is covered with sparkly mounds of beautiful variable blue cornetite microcrystals. The back of the plate is also covered with cornetite and a very rich peppering of contrasting tiny Malachite crystals. A small bit of bruising on the front reveals malachite and the black coatings are Heterogenite, an uncommon Co-oxide. This is a historic piece from the pocket of the late 1990s brought to market by the late great zGilbert Gauthier (well known Belgian dealer). Artisanally mined today, the locality easily produces the world's finest examples of the species and this is an excellent, showy and colorful large two-sided example of the combination species. Comes with a custom-made and engraved lucite base valued at $145 for free. Valued $2000-plus