Detailed information
Species
Dioptase, Chrysocolla
Dimensions
65 x 75 x 31
mm
Weight
140 g
Locality
Morenci Mine, Morenci Copper Mountain District Greenlee Co., Arizona, USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
Although Arizona Dioptase in no way compares with the likes of specimens from the Type Locality, or those from Africa in the size of individual crystals they still form important display specimens for this rare copper silicate species. Morenci mine is perhaps the most famous of the American occurrences with some of the best material being recovered in the 1980s from the northwest extension of Morenci mine. This very rich cabinet specimen from David Hardman's collection dates to that period and displays the classic association of murky green Chrysocolla matrix. Texture-wise it is a really fascinating specimen with its banded layered structure, and the Dioptase, although made up of smaller 1 to 2 mm scale crystals, is very rich.