Dioptase with Mimetite (2018 find)

Item Description

An attractive piece from a discovery in 2018 at the Ntol Mine in Republic of the Congo. We would like to point out that these specimens were initially reported as coming from the Mpita Mine, but we have subsequently been informed that they are actually from Ntola. Most collectors love Dioptase, but there aren't that many world localities that produce excellent specimens. We were fortunate to purchase a small parcel of these specimens which are notably different from most of the others we've seen in the past as it features both prismatic single trigonal crystals along with somewhat spherical clusters of Dioptase comprising lustrous, rich emerald green crystals. The largest Dioptase cluster measures 8 mm across. Additionally, and most importantly, upon close inspections there are a few spots featuring micro rich yellow colored Mimetite crystals. Dioptase and Mimetite are rarely found together in nature, and the combination of the yellow and green is wonderful. Associated underlain micro grey Calcite makes for a nice touch as well. I had a lot of fun looking at this piece under magnification, 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 unusual formation of the Dioptase along with the fact that Dioptase prices are on the rise makes this a very desirable and eye-catching specimen from this exciting contemporary locality.