Dioptase (with a phantom crystal) on Plancheite

Item Description

Dioptase is known from a few world localities in superb quality specimens, but recently there was a find of new material in the Pool Department of the Congo (Brazzaville). These specimens show great color, with larger sized crystals and EXCELLENT gemminess. This particular specimen features many sharp, lustrous, rich emerald green color Dioptase crystals on a layer of soft blue Plancehiet forming an attractive overall specimen. The coolest aspect of the piece is that one of the Dioptase crystals shows a cool internal "phantom" when backlit! The largest Dioptase crystal measures 1.5 cm. Most of the crystals are undamaged, though there are a few contacts here and there, but the fact that they are sitting on Plancheite matrix is a big deal. This find seemed to be somewhat limited, and hopefully will produce more 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. This piece was valued at $1600 in the inventory.