Beautiful malachite in the shape of a rabbit, of the best quality

A polished malachite in a shape reminiscent of a sitting hare in silhouette, presented on a carved red wooden base.

Malachite is a secondary copper carbonate. It forms in the upper weathering zones of copper-bearing ore deposits when copper-containing solutions react with carbonic acid-rich groundwater.

The annular eye structures across the entire display side arise from botryoidal, grape-like aggregates that grow inwards in layers in cavities. When cut, these shells become visible as concentric bands.

The natural growth form has been carefully reworked, only the display side is polished; the hare silhouette is a selection decision during polishing, not a subsequent sculptural intervention.

Today's main occurrences are in Congo and Zambia. Pieces with such clear eye patterns in top quality are not commonplace.

A collector's item with charming form recognition, suitable as a quirky-noble accent in a display or studio.