Wulfenite (large crystals) coated by Quartz

Item Description

Mfouati is a well-known lead-zinc-copper producing area in Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). Perhaps the best-known species from this mine are Dioptase or Cerussite, but some people may not know that Mfouati has also produced what are the largest crystals of Wulfenite ever found. We've had some impressive examples of the material over the years, and this piece is a good example featuring a pair of rather thick, lustrous, sharp, well-formed, butterscotch colored crystals measuring up to 3.2 cm long on matrix. The Wulfenites are mostly coated by drusy sparkling Quartz, but the top of the larger crystal is poking through, where the piece was contacted after detached from the pocket wall. When backlit, the Wulfenites have a pleasant warm internal hue. We found a rich blue-green colored small spot of what is likely either Hemimorphite or Smithsonite on the back of the piece. A good overall example of this fairly hard to find material with notably large crystals for the species. Valued $2,400