Dioptase (with "phantom" crystals)

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). These specimens show great color, with larger sized crystals and EXCELLENT gemminess. This particular specimen features sharp, rather lustrous, rich emerald green color, trigonal crystals of Dioptase with only minor matrix. The largest crystal measures 1.7 cm long. When strongly backlit, the crystals show notable "phantoms" at the termination. 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.