Dioptase with Calcite

Item Description

Dioptase is at its best when its from Tsumeb. The top pieces are the most recognized, classic and hands down most beautiful crystals of the species in the mineral world. The finest examples of Dioptase from this most prolific locality are highly sought after by collectors today, as most of them were mined over 50 years ago, so they are seldom seen on the market. The crystals on this specimen exhibit a beautiful rich emerald green color (impossible to replicate in photos) which made these specimens so famous, and they GLOW when backlit. The crystals measure up to about 5 mm and feature sharp, lustrous and very well-formed faces with an excellent textbook trigonal shape. The crystals themselves are in good condition overall and look beautiful with the associated Calcite. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures". Priced at $4,000 retail.