Dioptase with Cuprian Smithsonite

Item Description

Everybody loves dioptase, but sometimes we are surprised to find that it comes from more locations than we might imagine! This a beautiful and rare Dioptase specimen from, of all places, Argentina. We have seen some simple reference pieces from this locality in the past, but nothing like this large display quality cabinet specimen! It is an utterly spectacular feast of color with large patches of abundant, sparkling, emerald-green Dioptase crystals to 6 mm all over the piece, accented with sugary, bright grass-green Cuprian Smithsonite sprinkled in patches in between the Dioptase clusters! Both copper species are hosted on a matrix of pale creamy orange Calcite, itself on brown Goethite. The orange color of the Calcite is a result of their slight iron staining, from the Goethite underneath. This really is a marvelous large cabinet Dioptase specimen from a little known locality in Argentina and probably represents one of the best pieces found there! The smithsonite is a very surprising bonus, and the two green colors really play off one another well. An old specimen, among the many surprises in the Kurt Hefendehl collection.