Dioptase (unusual form) (2018 find)

Item Description

PLEASE NOTE: These specimens were initially reported as coming from the Mpita Mine, but we have subsequently been informed that they are actually from the Ntola Mine. This piece is from a new find in January of 2019. Most collectors love Dioptase, but there aren't that many world localities that produce excellent specimens. Earlier this year we were fortunate to purchase a small parcel of these brand new specimens from the Mindouli area in Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville). This specimen is notably different from many of the others we've seen in the past as it feature somewhat spherical / "bubbly" hollow forms ("casts") of Dioptase which might have formed after a botryoidal mineral like Chrysocolla or Shattuckite (some have suggested it could be spherical Calcite or Aragonite), or it could be the result of a gas bubble that was crystallized on the exterior. The surface of these "bubbles" piece feature hundreds of tiny, sharp, lustrous, rich emerald green trigonal Dioptase crystals, but they are clearly hollow underneath as seen in a few of the contacted / exposed "balls". There are several undamaged spheres on the piece as well to give a good idea of how they formed. Also, upon close inspections there are a few spots of small brilliant orange, bi-pyramidal Wulfenite crystals that can be seen. Wulfenite and Dioptase are rarely found together in nature, and the combination of the orange and green together is wonderful. Associated micro grey Calcite on the side makes for a nice touch as well. For the most part, the piece is in great shape, but there are some contacts around the periphery where it was removed from the pocket wall. I had a lot of fun looking at this piece under the microscope, and we have photographed it with a CANON MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. The rare Wulfenite association combined with the unusual formation of the Dioptase along with the fact that Dioptase price are on the rise makes this a very desirable and eye-catching specimen from this exciting locality in Republic on Congo. Priced in the inventory at $1,500.