Dioptase with Plancheite(?) and micro Willemite

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, lustrous, gemmy, rich emerald green color Dioptase crystals - some of which are actually doubly-terminated) measuring up to 2.1 cm forming a very attractive overall big cabinet display specimen. The matrix is coated by a layer of an unknown blue copper silicate, or possibly multiple copper silicates due to the fact that there are various shades and layers of blue that can be seen. This material could be Plancheite, Chrysocolla, Shattuckite, Gilalite(?) etc. We will get this material analyzed soon in case the winner wants to know the identity of this material. ADDITIONALLY: There are some micro gem quality hexagonal prismatic crystals of WILLEMITE! on the specimen, which is the FIRST report of the species from Kimbedi. For reference, John Rakovan of the University of Miami of Ohio did the analysis on the Mimetite crystals. Most of the Dioptase crystals are damage free, but a few of them are nicked, and one side of the piece is contacted where it was removed from the pocket wall, but it's such a wonderful association specimen with great aesthetics, quality, color and size. 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"-type quality specimen of this species for a fraction of the price. Priced at $4,000 in the inventory. PLEASE NOTE: This specimen weighs 1,217 grams (over 2.5 pounds), so an additional shipping charge will be required. Please keep this in mind when bidding.