Detailed information
Species
Dioptase, Calcite
Dimensions
50 x 80 x 36
mm
Weight
143 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
From Tsumeb mine, the undisputed king of Dioptase occurrences, this magnificent cabinet-sized display specimen shows exactly why the Tsumeb Dioptase crystals are so much better than from anywhere else. Rare in large, visible crystals, other than at a handful of central and southern Africa localities as well as the Type Locality in Kazakhstan, the difference between Tsumeb and elsewhere is the exceptionally gemmy, glassy, appearance of the crystals. It is true that several mines in the Republic of the Congo have produced larger crystals, but they are unfortunately not gemmy. The liberal coating of strikingly bright, lustrous, intense emerald-green crystals across the entire display surface of this piece and their good size (reaching 8 mm in length) makes it stand out from the crowd. Free from damage, this is an extremely high-class Tsumeb Dioptase, the like of which are extremely collectible, and liven up any display with their colour and sparkle. Ex Weyand Collection, this piece comes from the generations-old family collection previously held in the town of Tsumeb.