Dioptase (classic material)

Item Description

When people mention Dioptase, I think the majority of people think of Tsumeb. It's fair to say that perhaps the single species that is most tied to the famous Tsumeb Mine is Dioptase. Here we have a fine small cabinet sized piece loaded with sharp, lustrous, well-formed trigonal crystals measuring up to 1.3 cm long on grey Calcite on matrix. The crystals are gemmy when backlit with a glossy luster and the signature electric emerald green hue. There are some imperfections on the piece, where it was detached from the pocket wall, but it's in very good condition all around.  The crystal shown with backlighting (second photo) is doubly-terminated, but has a tiny separation mark on one end where it was clearly intergrown with another Dioptase at one point.  No major damage, but as stated there are minor spots where the crystals are either incomplete or were once connected to the pocket, and now show slight irregularity. We all know that the value of Tsumeb specimens is on the rise, and fine quality specimens are now highly sought after and prized more than ever these days. Priced at $1,500 in the inventory