Dioptase on Calcite

Item Description

This is a classic deep green dioptase from the recent (last 15 years) finds at Kaokoveld of world class dioptase. It is almost a killer! It features a 1 INCH (2.5 cm) single , doubly-terminated, perfect crystal right in the middle of a beautiful freestanding cluster overhanging sparkling calcite matrix. The contrasts are striking, in texture and color, between the deep green and the sparkling jewel-like calcite. The only problem with the cluster is that there is notable, front-end damage right above the major, huge crystal, on smaller points that are missing. It is still an attractive piece, and it is almost worth thousands of dollars, were it not for the damage above the major crystal. Scattered elsewhere about, surrounding the sparkling calcite, are other dioptase crystals, many robust and large and to 1 cm or more, although a few of those also are broken. Nevertheless, showy, and for a 1 inch crystal on matrix, where are you going to finds such things affordably?