Dioptase on Plancheite

Kimbedi, Mindouli District, Pool Department, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
Miniature, 3.6 x 2.8 x 2.4 cm
Start Time: 05/30/2013 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/06/2013 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Dioptase is known from a few world localities in superb quality specimens, but recently there was a find of new material near Kimbedi, which is a small village on the railroad between Mindouli and Lutete in Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). These specimens show great color, with larger sized crystals and EXCELLENT gemminess. This specimen hosts a few sharp, rich emerald green color Dioptase crystals measuring up to 1.2 cm sitting on RARELY seen soft blue, botryoidal Plancheite on matrix creating an attractive specimen. One of the very few Plancheite associations I've seen from this locality. The piece is in good shape overall, with only a little bit of damage on the larger crystals. This find seemed to be somewhat limited, and hopefully will produce more of this SUPERB quality Dioptase. With the price of Tsumeb Dioptase specimens rising daily, this is a great opportunity to snag a "Tsumeb"-like specimen of this species for a fraction of the price.

Did You Know We Offer Custom Bases?

Learn More