Here's a really eye-catching specimen of radiating FIBROUS MALACHITE (also called silky or velvet malachite) which was mined at the Mindingi Mine, Swambo, Katanga Province, D.R.Congo. I picked up this dramatic piece at the East Coast Gem, Rock, and Mineral Show, where it was displayed by a wholesale dealer from the Congo.

Fibrous malachite is a rare form of malachite made up of slender to acicular prisms that grew as dense intergrowths of tiny, fibrous needles. These needles merge to create sprays and fans that are highly lustrous and very bright green.