Dioptase (classic locale) Pete Bancroft Coll.

Item Description

Gemmy and lustrous, deep emerald-green dioptase crystals line a 6.0 cm on the diagonal vug on this showy and excellent older specimen from Reneville. These crystals are a bit richer green than Tsumeb dioptase and the matrix is distinctive to Reneville. They are up to about 1.0 cm long. It was bought by Peter Bancroft, noted author of Gem & Crystal Treasures, in the 1960s or 70s and remained in his collection until I purchased his remaining stash in 2006. Elegantly demonstrative of how they occur in nature in a pocket or "bubble" in the cavities! Valued at $1750.