Metatyuyamunite, Malachite: Mashamba West mine, Kolwezi, Lualaba, DR Congo

Description

Species: Metatyuyamunite, Malachite

Locality: Mashamba West mine, Kolwezi, Lualaba, DR Congo

Size: 4 x 2 x 3.1 cm. (~40 grams)

Ex. Henri Vandormael Collection

Excellent specimen of well-formed bright yellow metatyuyamunite crystals with malachite from the famous Mashamba West mine, Kolwezi, DR Congo. This is a great specimen for this rare uranium species, from the noted collection of Henri Vandormael, former mine geologist at the Musonoi mine and other Congolese mines for the Union Miniere Haut Katanga (UMHK) company in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. This was later in the collection of noted uranium mineral specialist Eric Quinter. The Mashamba West mine (NOT Musonoi!) is not known for uranium minerals and this is from a one-time find there many years ago. Measures ~40,000 CPM on my Ludlum Model 3 Counter with the 44-9 probe. This is a great specimen for this species with a superb provenance. Harold Moritz photo. Rare!