Dioptase with Calcite (classic material)

Item Description

This is a beautiful specimen of Dioptase from Tsumeb featuring sharp, lustrous, intense emerald green colored trigonal crystals measuring up to 5-6 mm associated with crystallized, translucent, rhombic white Calcite on host rock matrix. Without question, the Dioptase specimens from this incredibly prolific mine, have set the standard for the species, with superior luster, color and crystallization, better than anywhere else in the world. It's no wonder that approximately 50 years after this piece came out of the ground, it's still as impressive to see as the day it was found. The periphery of the specimen contacted where it was removed from the pocket wall, but the central crystals are in excellent shape, with only minor imperfections that you really can't see without magnification. These specimens are some of the most iconic minerals in the history of mineral collecting, as they are instantly recognizable, and remain as popular with collectors as they were decades ago.
From the collection of the recently deceased Alvaro Lucio, arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. Alvaro graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.