Uniquely Shaped and Highly Chatoyant Fibrous Malachite from China

Description

Malachite's rich green color easily makes it one of the world's most recognizable minerals. This is an exceptionally chatoyant "Cat's Eye" Botryoidal Malachite from a recent find in China. What sets this variety of malachite apart is the ring shaped reflections that seem to move when the specimen is placed under a light. These reflective rings, also called chatoyancy, have been nicknamed "eyes" and are best viewed in low light with a single light source. The chatoyant "eyes" cover the entire front of this piece and create an amazing illusion when they catch light.
This specimen formed with caverns running throughout, creating a great three dimensional effect. In one orientation, the caverns seem to resemble a face. The back of this piece features shiny lighter green fibrous malachite. The way that this piece formed allows it to sit upright on it's own. This piece is a standout in any collection!
Malachite
Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture,
Guangdong Province
China
10.8 x 9.53 x 5.08cm
4.25 x 3.75 x 2in