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 parcel 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). This specimen is a classic example of this well-known material featuring dozens of very sharp, highly lustrous, well-formed, prismatic trigonal crystals of eye-catching emerald green Dioptase measuring up to 1.2 cm long sitting on massive Dioptase and oxidized host rock matrix. Most of the crystals in the central vug are undamaged, while the outer edges of the piece are contacted the points where it was separated from the pocket wall. The crystals GLOW with color when backlit, and many of them are quite gemmy as you can see. 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 reminiscent "Tsumeb"-esque quality to it. Priced in the inventory at $500.