Dioptase with Mimetite

Item Description

Here we have a colorful association specimen from the Ntola Mine in the Mindouli area of Rep. of Congo. This piece came from the discovery in 2019, but PLEASE NOTE: These specimens were initially reported as coming from the Mpita Mine, but we have subsequently been informed that they are actually from the Ntola Mine. Dioptase is a well-known and beloved species, but there aren't that many world localities that produce excellent specimens. We were fortunate to purchase a small parcel of these attractive specimens from the Mindouli area, and they are unlike anything we had seen before. This specimen hosts fine quality, lustrous, rich emerald green trigonal crystals of Dioptase which are oriented into somewhat spherical clusters. Additionally, and most importantly, upon close inspections there are many micro orange-yellow Mimetite crystals all over the piece. Dioptase and Mimetite are rarely found together in nature, and the combination of the yellow and green is wonderful. For the most part, the piece is in great shape, but there are some contacts around the periphery where it was removed from the pocket wall. I had a lot of fun looking at this piece under the microscope, and we have photographed it with a CANON MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. The rare association, combined with the fact that Dioptase prices are on the rise makes this a desirable and eye-catching specimen from this exciting locality in Republic of Congo.