Shattuckite pseudomorph after Dioptase after Calcite (3 generations!) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

A very eye-catching specimen of these completely one-of-a-kind pseudomorphs from the Tantara Mine in DR Congo. To the best of my knowledge, only a small number of these specimens exist, all coming from a singular pocket found in 2011. They are very exciting pieces for any collector of pseudomorphs, copper minerals or secondary ore minerals. What makes it truly impressive in my mind that it is a multi-generational pseudomorph/replacement specimen featuring a stark "royal blue" Shattuckite layer which has replaced / partially replaced preexisting pseudomorphs of Dioptase after Calcite on matrix. You can still see the remarkably sharp, scalenohedral "dog tooth" shape of the underlying Calcite crystals, despite the fact that two other minerals have been deposited over the top of them. The largest radial "ball" of crystals on the specimen measures about 8 mm across. Incredibly hard to find on the market now. From the noted pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.