Chrysocolla ps. after Malachite ps. after Azurite with Quartz

This excellent miniature features an unusual double pseudomorph of intense sky-blue Chrysocolla replacing Malachite after Azurite and coated in Quartz, from a magnificent recent find in the Tenke-Fungurume area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa.  Many former tabular Azurite crystals, of which there are at least eight, measure up to 3.5 cm tall and form an interwoven nest-like structure with one large Chrysocolla pseudomorph crossing the centre.  The Chrysocolla crystals taper in Gothic arch-style tabular spears and are entirely encrusted with sparkling micro-Quartz crystals.  The Chrysocolla is a stunning sky-blue and throughout the base can be seen a remnant core of deep leaf-green Malachite.  The Tenke-Fungurume area delineates a 30 km copper-cobalt mineralised zone between Tenke hill in the NW and Fungurume hill in the SE of the Kolwezi mining district.  The region holds large ore reserves and to date a suite of 31 minerals have been recorded, including some exceedingly rare copper species.  This magnificent specimen will stand out in any display, no matter how colourful other specimens may be!