Dioptase (ex Charlie Key Collection)

Item Description

Even though Dioptase is well-known and coveted by collectors, it's very difficult to obtain fine quality specimens, because there are only a few places in the world where they are found. The specimens from Kaokoveld Plateau are some of the best modern-day Dioptase specimens out there. Here we have a great miniature display specimen featuring wonderful quality, sharp, very lustrous, intense emerald green, gemmy to translucent, trigonal crystals of Dioptase with a few accessory crystals. Some of the smaller Dioptase crystals are nearly WATER CLEAR when backlit! The largest Dioptase on this specimen measures 3.7 cm, which is significant for the species. The piece does have a few nicks, so it's not 100% pristine, but the shimmering luster, intense color, and noteworthy crystal size are about as good as it gets from this mine. Ex Charlie Key personal collection. Charlie is arguably the most successful dealer of the second half of the 20th century, along with being the namesake for TWO mineral species (Keyite and Ludlockite).