Dioptase (fine crystals) with Plancheite

Item Description

There are a select few localities worldwide that produce superb Dioptase specimens. Going back to the mid to late 2010s, some impressive pieces of Dioptase started coming out of the Pool Department of the Republic of the Congo. The best of these specimens host larger than average crystals with fine color, sharpness, luster and sometimes EXCELLENT gemminess. Here we have a very showy and eye-catching small cabinet display specimen featuring several sharp, lustrous, gemmy, trigonal, classic emerald green color Dioptase crystals which measure up to 1.7 cm, sitting a layer of botryoidal soft brown Goethite with beautiful bright sky blue colored Plancheite. This Plancheite was confirmed through analyzed by John Rakovan via powder X-ray diffraction and comparison of data to the JCPDS powder diffraction database. Most of Dioptase crystals are pristine, and the smaller (thinner) crystals glow with color when backlit. I really love how most of the Dioptase crystals are isolated, giving them distinction and the ability to stand out. The combination, form, and overall aesthetic appeal makes this a very desirable and high quality specimen of this very attractive material. Valued $1,750.