-40%
BRILLIANT Emerald Green GEM DIOPTASE on Calcite Tsumeb Mine Namibia Crystal
$ 184.79
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Brillilant Gem Dioptase on Calcite Crystal SpecimenThis incredibly gemmy cluster of emerald-green dioptase crystals with white calcite crystals is from the world renowned
Tsumeb Mine,
Tsumeb, Namibia
. This example has a stalactite-like form with bright and flashing, super gemmy dioptase growing over a white calcite matrix. Some of the crystals appear to glow from within! The white calcite is a very important feature, giving the specimen just the right amount of contrast. The bigger the individual "facets", the more valuable the specimen becomes. This particular example has larger individual crystals than I have seen on many of the more common specimen. These sharp and green dioptase crystals sparkle like small faceted gems; this is a truly remarkable piece!
Dioptase is among the most desirable of all mineral species. The glowing emerald green crystals have fascinated collectors since they were originally discovered. In the late 18th century, miners unearthed what they thought was the greatest find of emeralds. When tested, scientists realized this was a new mineral species. In the late 19th century, the most wonderful and important deposit of dioptase was mined at the now legendary Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. This mine is considered to be the ultimate for the species.
The last time dioptase was found at Tsumeb was around 1995. This mine has since closed and will likely never open again.
Specimen from this mine, of this size and quality, are becoming increasingly rare to come by, and are only found through old collections.
Please check out our other listings for more rare treasures, including a very rare Vivianite crystal specimen!