Wulfenite with Quartz (1190)

Republic of Congo

LOCATION

M'Fouati Mine, M'Fouati, M'fouati District, Bouenza Department, Republic of Congo

SIZE

62 x 58 x 39 mm

DESCRIPTION

The locality is near Mindouli, about 55km in the west. The mine produced a little bit copper, but primarily lead and zinc. the most prominent minerals there are cerussite, wulfenite, azurite, malachite, chrysocolla, hemimorphite, smithsonite. In a 5km radius around the mine there are several small prospects, which produce also Wulfenite, which represents a great rarity - and they are not just samples, for sure the good ones are among the very best Wulfenites of entire Africa. There was one small but prominent discovery in 2014, but the best pieces came in late 50ties and early 60ties - like the particular piece. No recent discovery ever showed this dimension.

This is a superb wulfenite for its color and the sheer size and mass of this phenomenal crystal - it is 27mm across! Tiny Quartz crystals cover a part of the crystal - these micro crystals are all sparkling and they cover exactly the half to the right hand size, the left side of the crystal shows a lustrous face just of Wulfenite. The crystal is complete all around, also backside is sharp terminated - there are no contacts or damages at all.

The matrix is even sparkly, as it seems to be a metamorphosed or quartz-infused gossan and sparkles in the background against the intense yellow-butterscotch crystal here. So this is not only an exceptional rarity - it also unifies aesthetics, color, contrast and outstanding dimension - for sure a mayor piece for the locality and even for entire Africa.

PRICE

sold

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