Kolwezi Dist., Katanga, Dem. Rep. of the Congo
30.5 cm tall x 15.2 cm wide
Stalactites of chrysocolla and malachite are highly sought-after. This example is among the finest known. The alternating colors are unique. The bright blue growing parallel with shiny malachite takes this stalactite and places it in a class unto itself. A stalactite group like this would be like turning a green and blue candle upside down, allowing the wax drips to form natural shapes. A wax stalactite might take a few hours to create, this one may have taken hundreds of thousands of years...a blink of the eye in time.
It is very difficult to find stalactites that are in such fine condition. Very often they break off in several places. When they do split off it can add an interesting dimension showing off the attractive growth patterns of circular alternating rings.
Chrysocolla and malachite are often found together but we have never seen this type before. They come from a small group found two years ago in Katanga and we acquired the best examples.