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 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 interior of these "bubbles" piece feature hundreds of tiny, sharp, lustrous, rich emerald green trigonal Dioptase crystals. Also, upon close inspections there are a few spots of small brilliant orange, Wulfenite or Mimetite crystals that can be seen. For the most part, the piece is in great shape, and it's only contacted around the periphery where it was removed from the pocket wall. I had a lot of fun looking at this piece under the microscope. The unusual formation of the Dioptase along with the fact that Dioptase prices 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.