Detailed information
Dimensions
50 x 61 x 29
mm
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Otjikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
A superb miniature Dioptase on Calcite from Tsumeb mine in Namibia displaying individually spaced crystals of up to 1.1 cm wide, yet more typically between 5 and 8 mm. Dioptase, a copper silicate, forms translucent, well-formed crystals with internal reflective planes which cause the crystals to sparkle. Milk white rhombic Calcite crystals form a perfectly contrasting background to the Dioptase and cover a matrix of characteristic pinkish light grey dolomitic country rock. The Dioptase is an iconic emerald green and when set against the pure white Calcite, from the famous mid-1970s’find at Tsumeb, it is a true classic. Of all the wonderful minerals Tsumeb is famous for, Dioptase is its most characteristic trademark species, even though Tsumeb is not its type locality!
