Dioptase with Calcite

Item Description

2-cm-long dioptase crystals from Tsumeb are rather large. From an old collection, this is classic Tsumeb material from the early 1980s finds. Now, almost impossible to get in crystals of such size. A crust of taupe-colored dolomite is the matrix for this impressive cluster of large, glassy and gemmy, deep emerald-green, dioptase crystals to 2 cm in length. Some are also doubly terminated! As you can see, they have EXCELLENT color and the most desirable color saturation you can ask for - Tsumeb dioptases still remain, to most of us, the best of species. There are even tiny rhombs of white calcite on the dolomite which give it a nice sparkle for contrast. The piece grew in a narrow vein and has a few contacts among the crystals on the periphery, particularly the upper left, or this would be a five-figure $$$ specimen. Nevertheless, this minor contact to the back side of some of the dioptase crystals does not materially affect the beauty and wonderful color contrasts of this matrix specimen, especially at a certain fair price. Valued $2000-2500