Dioptase

Item Description

Despite the fact that Dioptase is a well-known species, and coveted by collectors, it's very difficult to obtain large, fine quality specimens, because there are only a few places in the world where they are found. The remarkable specimens from Kaokoveld Plateau are some of the best modern-day Dioptase specimens you'll find. Here we have a great large cabinet display specimen featuring many fine quality, sharp, very lustrous, intense emerald green, gemmy to translucent, trigonal crystals of Dioptase on matrix. Some minor Quartz and Chrysocolla can be seen on the specimen as well. Some of the Dioptase crystals are fairly gemmy when backlit. The largest Dioptase on this specimen measures 1.0 cm. The piece does have a few nicks, so it's not 100% pristine, but the sheer size, shimmering luster, intense color, and number of crystals on the specimen make it a very desirable and attractive piece of these now seemingly hard-to-find piece. Ex Charlie Key personal collection. Charlie is arguably the most successful dealer of the second half of the 20th century, along with being the namesake for TWO mineral species (Keyite and Ludlockite).