Dioptase with Wulfenite (classic combo) (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

This mine is certainly one of the most revered of all Arizona localities, and is considered among the most classic localities in the United States. The distinctive Dioptase from this mine is among the most easily recognizable specimens from any locality in the world. This piece hosts vibrant emerald green, micro, acicular Dioptase crystals associated with contrasting orange Wulfenite on matrix. These specimens are highly sought after by Arizona collectors, and are becoming very difficult to obtain the market these days. This combination of Dioptase and Wulfenite is rare around the world, and it's about and colorful and eye-catching as it gets when it comes to secondary ore minerals. This piece comes from the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired from mining, but spent many years underground, including as the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures". The piece was given to Dave as a gift by his son-in-law, Rich Kosnar for Christmas 1992 and the hand-written label from Kosnar (specimen #TK118) accompanies the piece.