Primary Malachite circa early 1900s

Item Description

This is and important primary Malachite piece from Tsumeb, in that it is actual malachite that formed from nature first, rather than later after a replacement of some azurite. If you think about it, MOST malachite you see from Tsumeb, especially the large crystals, are replacements - not "primary" growth crystals as we see here. This is much much more rare. Covering much of the hefty ore matrix, are numerous, thick, clusters of almost chatoyant, dark green Malachite in stout bundles of parallel to nearly parallel groups of prismatic crystals to an amazing 3 cm in length! The chatoyance effect is very noticeable here, with seemingly shifting darker and lighter green areas as you twist it in the light. The vivid green Malachite contrasts well with the coarse, granular, brown-orange iron-stained quartz and ore matrix typical of the 1st oxidation zone (1890s-1920s) and not at all like any modern material. Few large primary Malachite specimens of this caliber with crystals of this size, from Tsumeb were ever available, especially in such good condition. It is an important locality piece and a nice dose of color to add to any Tsumeb suite, or any locality.