Omaue Mine, Opuwo Rural, Kunene Region, Namibia
7.6 cm tall x 7.6 cm wide
Actual crystals of malachite are quite rare. Malachite most commonly forms in botryoidal or stalactitic form. It is also very often seen as a replacement species in pseudomorphs, primarily after azurite. The crystals on this piece are unusually long with terminations that are easily discernible. The malachite has a very high luster, rich forest green color, and a subtle chatoyancy. This play of light as you move the piece in your hand, altering the shades of green, is a unique attribute that few species possess.
It is quite rare to find malachite crystals on quartz. The stark bold contrast of the deep lustrous green against the glassy whitish quartz is a visual delight. The sky blue ball of shattuckite is a wonderful addition to an already unusual specimen. This element visually pulls the piece together, as if the malachite spray grew from that point.