Dioptase (2019 find)

Item Description

Here we have a lovely specimen from a discovery in January 2019. We have a good contact in Brazzaville who was able to get us a parcel of these attractive specimens, which are different from other Dioptase specimens we've seen in the past from the Mindouli District. You'll notice that the crystals are not large individual singles, but rather smaller clusters which have formed in somewhat spherical groups. The largest group measures about 6 mm across. The color is still that intense emerald green, and the luster, sharpness and classic trigonal shape are what you expect for the species and the locality. The piece is in very good condition overall, with no major damage, outside of the edges where it was separated from the pocket wall. There are only a few places in the world that are producing any good specimens of Dioptase, and this piece is a very nice small cabinet display specimen with a habit / form that is not commonly seen in the species. Valued at $950 in the inventory. PLEASE NOTE: These specimens were first sold to us as coming from the Mpita Mine, but it has been confirmed that they are indeed from the Ntola Mine.