Malachite Botryoidal - Height: 8.5 cm - Width: 14.4 cm- 1240 g

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Description from the seller

Massive malachite block – 1.24 kg – Congo (DRC) – Polished decorative cut

Magnificent piece of solid malachite from an old collection of expatriates in Congo, featuring a remarkable fan-shaped polished cut that reveals vivid green and deep green concentric bands characteristic of deposits from the Katanga region. The piece displays a highly expressive raw botryoidal face, with natural mineral crusts and textures typical of secondary malachite formations.

The polished part, with a satin finish, reveals regular, clear, and highly decorative rings, forming a natural geological pattern of great aesthetic quality. The cut suggests an expanded triangular shape, stable in a vertical position, ideal for display in a showcase, curiosity cabinet, office, or contemporary interior.
The malachite from Katanga stands out for its vibrant colors and the high density of its masses, which is immediately felt when handling this block weighing over 1.2 kg.

On a geological level, malachite is a secondary copper carbonate (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), formed in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. The specimens from Congo are internationally renowned for the fineness of their banding and for their thick botryoidal formations. The historic mines of Katanga have supplied mineral collections worldwide since the 1950s, making these specimens a key reference for enthusiasts of decorative minerals and geology.

The condition is good.
Shiny polished surface with micro-scratches from use.
- faces that are unaltered with natural reliefs;
No restoration or consolidation.
Very good stability and strong decorative presence.

Dimensions :
- height: 8.5 cm
- width: 14.4 cm
- depth: 5.8 cm
- weight: 1240 g

Beautiful mineral decorative piece, ideal for collectors, Congo mineral enthusiasts, or interiors seeking a high-end natural touch.
The photos that are an integral part of the description, please refer to them to assess the condition and dimensions.
Fast, careful, and secure shipping.
Specific packaging and insurance included in the delivery price.
Shipping costs are calculated as accurately as possible to guarantee fast and high-quality delivery with optimal protection of the item.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by antique objects. It was not a simple curiosity or a passing nostalgia, but a true admiration for their almost magical ability to cross eras and pass from one life to another. At 15, the age when one can finally participate in flea markets, I began to realize this passion. However, before devoting myself fully to flea markets, I explored other fields by studying forest management and park and garden architecture. But it was after training in Antiques and Flea Markets, followed in evening classes, that I knew that my passion for antique objects would become my profession. I have been in this field for over thirty-five years now. Over the years, I have handled and studied hundreds of thousands of objects. Each of them has taught me something, constantly enriching my perspective and expertise. Over time, I have developed an ability to identify what is valuable, not only from a material point of view, but also for the story that an object can tell. I am convinced that in this profession, experience is worth much more than degrees. We learn by taking our time, by confronting mistakes and discoveries, by listening to those who came before us. The “old hands” in the profession, whom I was lucky enough to meet, passed on this wisdom to me: move slowly, avoid pitfalls and always remain curious. What motivates me, beyond the objects themselves, is their history. Each piece carries a memory, a fragment of a bygone past. My mission is to reveal this story, to transmit it. Abandoned objects thus find a new meaning. This approach fits perfectly with the modern values of sustainable economy and upcycling, but for me, it is above all guided by a deep conviction. Every day, I scour attics, garage sales, estates and auction rooms, always looking for hidden treasures. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a treasure hunter or explorer. Today, this dream has come true: in my own way, I am a hunter or, rather, a passer-by of objects. What I discover bears witness to an art of living, a know-how, an era that deserves to be preserved. The financial aspect is only a means in this approach, never an end. What drives me is the idea of discovering, understanding and sharing. Each object, no matter how modest, has a story to tell. My role is to highlight it, to give it back its place. In this context, Catawiki is a valuable tool. It allows me to share my discoveries with an audience of connoisseurs and enlightened amateurs, people who, like me, appreciate beautiful objects and their history. I am pleased to present to you my findings, the fruit of decades of research and passion. Perhaps you will find among them a piece that will resonate with your own history or that will enrich your daily life. These objects are not only witnesses of the past, they are also fragments of art and life to be transmitted.
Translated by Google Translate

Massive malachite block – 1.24 kg – Congo (DRC) – Polished decorative cut

Magnificent piece of solid malachite from an old collection of expatriates in Congo, featuring a remarkable fan-shaped polished cut that reveals vivid green and deep green concentric bands characteristic of deposits from the Katanga region. The piece displays a highly expressive raw botryoidal face, with natural mineral crusts and textures typical of secondary malachite formations.

The polished part, with a satin finish, reveals regular, clear, and highly decorative rings, forming a natural geological pattern of great aesthetic quality. The cut suggests an expanded triangular shape, stable in a vertical position, ideal for display in a showcase, curiosity cabinet, office, or contemporary interior.
The malachite from Katanga stands out for its vibrant colors and the high density of its masses, which is immediately felt when handling this block weighing over 1.2 kg.

On a geological level, malachite is a secondary copper carbonate (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), formed in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. The specimens from Congo are internationally renowned for the fineness of their banding and for their thick botryoidal formations. The historic mines of Katanga have supplied mineral collections worldwide since the 1950s, making these specimens a key reference for enthusiasts of decorative minerals and geology.

The condition is good.
Shiny polished surface with micro-scratches from use.
- faces that are unaltered with natural reliefs;
No restoration or consolidation.
Very good stability and strong decorative presence.

Dimensions :
- height: 8.5 cm
- width: 14.4 cm
- depth: 5.8 cm
- weight: 1240 g

Beautiful mineral decorative piece, ideal for collectors, Congo mineral enthusiasts, or interiors seeking a high-end natural touch.
The photos that are an integral part of the description, please refer to them to assess the condition and dimensions.
Fast, careful, and secure shipping.
Specific packaging and insurance included in the delivery price.
Shipping costs are calculated as accurately as possible to guarantee fast and high-quality delivery with optimal protection of the item.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by antique objects. It was not a simple curiosity or a passing nostalgia, but a true admiration for their almost magical ability to cross eras and pass from one life to another. At 15, the age when one can finally participate in flea markets, I began to realize this passion. However, before devoting myself fully to flea markets, I explored other fields by studying forest management and park and garden architecture. But it was after training in Antiques and Flea Markets, followed in evening classes, that I knew that my passion for antique objects would become my profession. I have been in this field for over thirty-five years now. Over the years, I have handled and studied hundreds of thousands of objects. Each of them has taught me something, constantly enriching my perspective and expertise. Over time, I have developed an ability to identify what is valuable, not only from a material point of view, but also for the story that an object can tell. I am convinced that in this profession, experience is worth much more than degrees. We learn by taking our time, by confronting mistakes and discoveries, by listening to those who came before us. The “old hands” in the profession, whom I was lucky enough to meet, passed on this wisdom to me: move slowly, avoid pitfalls and always remain curious. What motivates me, beyond the objects themselves, is their history. Each piece carries a memory, a fragment of a bygone past. My mission is to reveal this story, to transmit it. Abandoned objects thus find a new meaning. This approach fits perfectly with the modern values of sustainable economy and upcycling, but for me, it is above all guided by a deep conviction. Every day, I scour attics, garage sales, estates and auction rooms, always looking for hidden treasures. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a treasure hunter or explorer. Today, this dream has come true: in my own way, I am a hunter or, rather, a passer-by of objects. What I discover bears witness to an art of living, a know-how, an era that deserves to be preserved. The financial aspect is only a means in this approach, never an end. What drives me is the idea of discovering, understanding and sharing. Each object, no matter how modest, has a story to tell. My role is to highlight it, to give it back its place. In this context, Catawiki is a valuable tool. It allows me to share my discoveries with an audience of connoisseurs and enlightened amateurs, people who, like me, appreciate beautiful objects and their history. I am pleased to present to you my findings, the fruit of decades of research and passion. Perhaps you will find among them a piece that will resonate with your own history or that will enrich your daily life. These objects are not only witnesses of the past, they are also fragments of art and life to be transmitted.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Main Mineral
Malachite
Mineral Form
Botryoidal
Supplement
Massive malachite
Weight
1240 g
Origin (Region/ City)
Katanga
Country of Origin
Congo
Height
8.5 cm
Width
14.4 cm
Depth
5.8 cm
BelgiumVerified
470
Objects sold
100%
pro

Disclaimer

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

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