Detailed information
Species
Dioptase, Calcite
Dimensions
33 x 56 x 31
mm
Weight
64 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
For its richness in Dioptase crystals this is a extremely fine miniature specimen. It is from the undisputed king of Dioptase occurrences at Tsumeb mine in Namibia. Comprising a white Calcite crystal-coated matrix, extremely bright, gemmy, emerald-green Dioptase crystals completely cover the display surface hiding the Calcite from view. These Dioptase crystals are, at up to 8 mm in length, not the world's largest, but are all undamaged and show wonderfully sharp crystal form. A couple of small areas of later Calcite sit upon the Dioptase adding nice flashes of contrasting colour, but it is the exceptional gem-bright appearance of the Dioptase which sets this specimen apart.