Reviews
1.95" Chrysocolla Pseudomorph - Lupoto Mine, DR Congo
This is a vibrant specimen featuring chrysocolla that formed as a pseudomorph after another mineral. It is debated as to whether the mineral that has been replaced was azurite, gypsum, heterogenite, or barite. It was collected from the Lupoto Mine in the Katanga Province of DR Congo.
About The Lupoto Mine
The Lupoto Mine is a copper-cobalt deposit in the Katanga Copper Crescent of Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Situated roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi, the mine occupies part of the Kalumines property, a region known for reduced-facies copper deposits hosted in dolomitic shales. This geological environment is ideal for the formation of vividly colored secondary copper minerals that have made Lupoto increasingly well-regarded among mineral collectors.
Lupoto is best known for its exceptional chrysocolla–malachite pseudomorphs. These specimens often form dramatic jackstraw clusters or stalactitic “fingers” where earlier azurite or malachite crystals have been partially or completely replaced by vibrant sky-blue chrysocolla. Many pieces exhibit complex, multi-stage alteration sequences—azurite transforming to malachite, then overgrown or replaced by chrysocolla—producing sculptural shapes with rich turquoise and emerald tones. In some cases a sparkling drusy quartz coating adds extra brilliance, making these pieces stand out in displays.
The Lupoto Mine is a copper-cobalt deposit in the Katanga Copper Crescent of Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Situated roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi, the mine occupies part of the Kalumines property, a region known for reduced-facies copper deposits hosted in dolomitic shales. This geological environment is ideal for the formation of vividly colored secondary copper minerals that have made Lupoto increasingly well-regarded among mineral collectors.
Lupoto is best known for its exceptional chrysocolla–malachite pseudomorphs. These specimens often form dramatic jackstraw clusters or stalactitic “fingers” where earlier azurite or malachite crystals have been partially or completely replaced by vibrant sky-blue chrysocolla. Many pieces exhibit complex, multi-stage alteration sequences—azurite transforming to malachite, then overgrown or replaced by chrysocolla—producing sculptural shapes with rich turquoise and emerald tones. In some cases a sparkling drusy quartz coating adds extra brilliance, making these pieces stand out in displays.
$115
SPECIES
Chrysocolla
LOCATION
Lupoto Mine, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo
SIZE
1.95 x 1.45"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#280755
