Pseudomalachite with Heterogenite on Botryoidal Gem Silica Chrysocolla
Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa (circa 1980's)
12.84 cm x 8.6 cm x 7.20 cm , 734 grams
Here is one pretty amazing specimen. It really needs to be seen in person to be believed.
Specimens such as this are rarely found in the market these days.
Africa is not well known for producing Gem Silica, however it was not called Gem Silica back then.
This material was mined on and off during the 1980's and early 1990's.
This specimen looks almost glossy black from a distance. The closer you get to it, the more the green beings to appear.
The top glossy coating is a very thin layer. It appears to be a coating of pseudomalachite and heterogenite.
Upon close inspection, the thin surface layer which covers most of the specimen, is actually a transparent gemmy green color of a silicated malachite.
The heterogenite which is thicker in some areas and just a thin coat in other areas, give it that almost black look.
Beneath this top layer is a beautiful deep blue green Botryoidal Gem Silica Chrysocolla, these days most refer to as simply Gem Silica.
This specimen has two levels. The top being botryoidal and the bottom just being layers of gem silica chrysocolla.
Through out the specimen, there are vugs and cavities allowing a look inside this beauty.
Now the outer thin layer is brittle especially on the bottom. So tiny pieces seem to come off with every handling, but you cannot tell except with magnification.
Overall a very stunning and special grouping of these minerals.
