Dioptase with Mottramite

Item Description

Dioptase is known from a few world localities in superb quality specimens, but recently there was a find of new material in the Pool Department of the Congo (Brazzaville). The best of these specimens show great color, with larger sized crystals and EXCELLENT gemminess. This particular specimen features sharp, lustrous, well-formed, trigonal rich emerald green color Dioptase crystals forming an attractive overall specimen. The piece is dotted with small golden-brown radial "balls" of Mottramite (XRD confirmed), for a nice contrast. There are a few contacts here and there, but the crystals are good sized, brilliant and even gemmy when backlit! The luster is very good for the material as well. The largest crystal measures 8 mm long. This find seemed to be somewhat limited, and hopefully will produce more of this SUPERB quality Dioptase. With the price of Tsumeb Dioptase specimens rising daily, this is a great opportunity to snag a "Tsumeb"-like specimen of this species for a fraction of the price.