Dioptase (2019 find)

Item Description

This piece comes from the famous find in 2019. I think it's safe to say that Dioptase is universally beloved, there are still few localities that produce excellent specimens. We were happy and fortunate to obtain a lot of some these exciting and attractive specimens from the Mpita Mine which is near the small village of Kimbedi on the railroad between Lutete and Mindouli in Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). What really sets these specimens apart from others we've seen in the area is that they are a bit different from what we've seen in the past as they feature beautiful semi-spherical clusters of Dioptase sprinkled over the matrix. For a moment, you can almost picture this as a Tsumeb specimen, as the Dioptase crystals have formed on small silvery colored Calcite rhombs, but it does have its own distinctive appearance that sets it apart. The color of the crystals is superb, with that classic emerald green hue, and they are highly lustrous with fine trigonal form. While some of the Dioptase crystals have formed in almost "spherical" groups, others have a bit more of a layered / parallel growth style to them. Additionally, if you look closely around the sides / edges of the piece, you can see small broken orange-yellow crystals of what is either Mimetite or Wulfenite (analysis pending). Most of the Dioptase crystals are in great shape, only a few tiny contacts can be seen. When you consider the high prices being paid for Tsumeb Dioptase specimens today, this piece is a great bargain by comparison and still has a bit of the "Tsumeb"-esque quality to it. Priced in the inventory at $500.