Cornetite with Gel Chrysocolla and Malachite, L'Etoile du Congo M., Katanga DRC
RARE AND CHOICE!
This exquisite specimen presents a sparkling surface of cerulean-blue “knobbly” cornetite over banded malachite and electric-blue to Kelly-green gel-like chrysocolla. The chrysocolla surrounds a core of cryptocrystalline material of probable heterogenite (black), along with libethenite (?) and grains of chrysocolla. The underside is equally fascinating, featuring a lustrous, shimmering surface presenting seemingly the entire spectrum of colors from darkest blue to light green. The geometries, textures, colors, and habits are just amazing, not to mention jaw-dropping gorgeous. Cornetite is a rare secondary copper phosphate, and the L'Etoile du Congo (“Star of the Congo”) Mine is the type locality. The mine is now closed, and specimens from the type locality rarely come to market.
