Dioptase on Shattuckite, with Malachite

Item Description

Fascinating, and quite distinctive, specimen of VELVET-like Shattuckite and associated Dioptase. The powder-blue Shattickite, rather than growing in the more usual velvety-ball habit, grows here in a 1 mm crust that covers much of the brecciated matrix. That very breccia, broken in angular pieces, is reflected in the very unusual, and very aesthetic, look to the piece. I have never seen Shattuckite with this appearance. It is quite eye-catching. To make the piece even better, there are a few dozen gemmy, highly lustrous Dioptase crystals on the Shattuckite. These average 2-3 mm in size, but the largest actually reaches a full 1 cm in length. These bright rich green gems look absolutely gorgeous against the soft-looking Shattuckite. Remarkable, and different, this is actually one of my favorite Shattuckites I have seen. Valued $1000-1250