Malachite (stalactites)

Item Description

This locality was producing these attractive specimens circa 2005-2006, but it is now flooded and completely shut down. There were some pieces that came out of this mine in the 1980s, but it was mostly Azurite with only a tiny bit of Malachite association. A couple decades later the locality was reopened for copper producing and started yielding these fantastic Malachite stalactites. This particular piece is one of the more attractive examples we've had to offer in the auctions. It features a pair of parallel-growth stalactites with that rich green color and semi-resinous luster on the exterior. My favorite aspect of the piece is that one of the stalactites has a complete pristine "sphere"-shaped termination, and while the other side might appear to be contacted, it's actually completely crystallized and damage free!! The combination of the two different yet, equally attractive forms on each stalactite is fantastic. For reference, the base of the piece is clearly contacted, and looks quite different from the top of the specimen in terms of how it was broken versus actually crystallizing. From the base of the piece, you can see that there is a hollow "tube" that runs the length of each stalactite. These are HARD to find, and this historic locality sadly hasn't produced anything for several years, so it will be difficult to get your hands on them. Don't miss out on this attractive and fine quality example of these beautiful specimens from Shilu. We had this one valued at $2,000 in the inventory.