Dioptase (RARE locale, 2013 find)

Item Description

Two generations of rich emerald-green, gemmy dioptase crystals are aesthetically festooned on the craggy sculptural vug on this rich and showy specimen. The impressive large crystal at the crest is 1.4 cm long. Dioptase specimens are very rare from this obscure Pb-Zn and Cu mine and district in the Republic of Congo. Choice and rare older material from this uncommon locale, known for huge wulfenite crystals to nearly 2 kilograms. Old specimens from this locale probably date from the 1920s to perhaps the 1960s and based on those a recent remining effort was led in 2013-2014. The gemmy green color and crystal style of these particular dioptase crystals are unlike any from any other African locale, including Mindouli and Reneville in the Republic of Congo, copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kaokoveld in Namibia or Tsumeb. Valued by the former dealer at $1800. MUCH, MUCH BETTER IN PERSON!!