SOLD
DENV08-37
Baryte (Included By Malachite) on Malachite
Shangulowe Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
Small Cabinet, 8.9 x 8.8 x 7.0 cm
SOLD
Most of these specimens are either greenish Barytes free of matrix, or on clunks; or alternately beautiful velvety malachite matrix with little smears of Baryte upon them. THIS PIECE, though, has balanced aesthetics where both species are nicely formed, and in balance with one another to create a more beautiful whole. It has to be among the better ones I have seen and I do clearly remember when they came out in the late 1980s and just amazed us all. This piece has subtle-pastel colored Barytes to an inch, splaying out and drawing the eye into the velvety, rounded malachite core. Each species complements the other. This particular find has not been repeated since and to my knowledge remains a unique association not present at other malachite-producing localities that I can think of. I regard this specimen very highly as a beautiful piece, but also as a significant example from a unique find. Which is the more important depends on one's point of view, I suppose, about value in minerals. To me, they are equally important when in the same specimen.