Dioptase (ex Al Kidwell Collection)

Item Description

A wonderful old time classic example of Tsumeb Dioptase dating back 50+ years. This specimen hosts dozens of tiny, highly lustrous, sharp, trigonal emerald green crystals with olive-green Duftite and minor rhombic Calcite on matrix. It's a very sculptural specimen loaded with crystals. A beautiful representation of this old classic material from Tsumeb. Despite the number of localities where Dioptase has been found around the world, Tsumeb still remains the greatest source of the species in history. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974.