Malachite

specimen number:
2133242

location:
Mindingi Mine, Kambove, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo

description:
Pretty cluster of sparkling green crystallized malachite without matrix. In good condition all around.

The Mindingi Mine, located near Kambove in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a notable site within the prolific Central African Copperbelt. Geologically, the deposit is hosted in the Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Katanga Supergroup, specifically within the Mines Subgroup, where primary sulfide mineralization has undergone extensive supergene enrichment. This process created a rich secondary zone characterized by spectacular oxidized minerals, including vibrant green malachite, blue heterogenite, and rare cobalt species like kolwezite and mindingiite, for which this mine is the type locality. Historically, mining in the Mindingi area began in the early 20th century as part of the massive industrial expansion led by Union Miniere du Haut-Katanga. While large-scale commercial copper and cobalt production saw its peak between the 1920s and the 1960s, the mine has experienced various phases of inactivity and artisanal reworking in more recent decades. Today, Mindingi is primarily recognized by the scientific community for its unique mineralogical diversity and its role in the early history of Congolese mining development.

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