Cuproskolodowskite, Vandenbrandeite: Musonoi mine, Katanga region, D.R. Congo

Description

Species: Cuprosklodowkite, Vandenbrandeite, Baryte

Locality: Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi, Lualaba, DR Congo

Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 x 4 cm.

This is a superb large specimen of the rare and colorful copper uranium silicate mineral cuprosklodowskite featuring vivid-green needles in torbernite/sklodowskite matrix. The cuprosklodowskite matrix is covered in superb, very sharp, dark olive-green crystals of vandenbrandeite up to 7 mm. (large for the species!) as well as gemmy amber-yellow selenium-rich baryte crystals. A choice example of this rare and beautiful mineral from the classic locality for the species! These are getting VERY hard to find in this size and quality range, and cuprosklodowskite specimens of this quality have not been found in 25+ years. Measures ~180,000 CPM on my Ludlum Model 3 Counter with the 44-9 probe. 

#CS14