Amazing Malachite from the Congo
This exceptional, part-polished malachite stone is from the Kolwezi mining district in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kolwezi is an important copper mining region.
Malachite has been used as an ore of copper for thousands of years. Today, chalcopyrite is the most abundant copper ore mineral.
Some of the world's finest malachite comes from Africa, particularly the Congo.
Malachite was mined more than 5000 years ago in the Sinai and eastern deserts of ancient Egypt. It was often ground into a coarse powder and used in cosmetics.
Malachite is believed to have been the first green pigment. The colour green in some of the finest works of art ever produced is from malachite. Although not used that often, pigments made from natural minerals are still used by some artists today.
The back of this malachite stone exhibits some amazing banding. One area also sparkles beautifully as it catches the light at certain angles.
