Detailed information
Species
Dioptase, Mottramite
Dimensions
81 x 98 x 39
mm
Weight
218 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
This is a really unusual combination of species for Tsumeb mine, and in a display-worthy cabinet-sized specimen too. A hard grey limestone rock matrix forming a shallow dome-like form is coated uniformly with a thin microcrystalline layer of murky-green, to leaf-green Mottramite, terminated by a dull greyish surface coating. Upon this are scattered thousands of bright sparkling emerald-green Dioptase crystals. Although small (1 to 1.5 mm in size), these are perfectly formed and make a superb display, contrasting with the dull Mottramite layer below. Ex Weyand collection.