Shattuckite pseudomorph after Dioptase after Calcite (multiple replacements!)

Item Description

A most impressive, attractive, colorful and completely unique specimen from the lesser known Tantara Mine in the Congo. To the best of my knowledge, a small number of these specimens exist. The pocket containing these unique pieces was found in 2011, and they immediately disappeared from the market. They are very exiciting pieces for any collector of pseudomorphs or even copper minerals. This is a multi-generational pseudomorph / replacement specimen featuring stark "royal blue" Shattuckite which have replaced / coated preexisting pseudomorphs of Dioptase after Calcite. You can still see the remarkably sharp, scalenohedral "dog tooth" shape of the underlying Calcite crystals, despite the fact that TWO other minerals have been deposited over the top of them. Additionally, and arguably most exciting, is the fact that one can see a SECOND GENERATION of emerald green Dioptase which came in at the end of deposition. This piece is obviously not a top shelf display specimen, but it is an important reference piece from a pocket of material that was never before seen. Do not miss out on this interesting large miniature, as it is the only one I have to offer in the auctions. The largest pseudomorph on the specimen measures 4 mm.