Malachite (''Primary'' Malachite)

Item Description

A very attractive specimen of Malachite from the famous Mashamba West Mine. We have seen many of these pieces come through over the years, but they do seem to be dwindling on the market, so we might be reaching a time when there are less available. This specimen hosts fine quality, velvety, forest-green radial groups and actual thin needles / crystals (!) of Malachite forming an aesthetic display piece. Minor matrix and a tiny bit of blue Chrysocolla can be seen on the reverse side of the specimen. Now it is important to note that you will see this material labeled as "Primary Malachite" often on the market, but this is a misleading term. All Malachite forms as the result of the alteration of another mineral, so it's not deposited in a primary sense like other minerals. Even though actual crystals of Malachite exist in the world, they are still derived from another copper bearing species, whether it be a sulfide like Chalcopyrite or another carbonate like Azurite. With that said, people will see this material labeled as "primary" and potentially make the wrong assumption about how it formed, but it has become the common term used to describe any kind of Malachite that shows acicular / "needle"-like growth or full-blown crystallization where no other species are present. If you collect secondary ore minerals, worldwide Malachite or specifically pieces from the Mashamba West do not miss out on this showy and display specimen.