Cornetite crystals from the Likasi Mine, Katanga, Congo, Gerd Tremmel collection – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen displays vivid blue to blue green Cornetite crystals forming irregular aggregates and fine crystalline coatings on a reddish brown, iron rich matrix. The crystals create strong color contrasts, with darker nearly black zones and lighter turquoise areas. Individual crystal forms are small but clearly recognizable, confirming the crystalline nature of the mineral. Crystals are present and well identifiable, even though they mainly occur in dense groups. The striking color combination and characteristic texture make this specimen both mineralogically and visually appealing.
Geology & Origin
Cornetite is a secondary copper phosphate that forms in the oxidation zones of copper rich deposits. It develops through the interaction of phosphate bearing solutions with primary copper minerals under oxidizing conditions. The Likasi Mine in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a classic locality for rare copper phosphates and is internationally renowned for its wide variety of intensely colored secondary minerals. Specimens from this area are highly valued by collectors for their mineralogical significance, vivid coloration, and often complex paragenesis.