Description

Detailed Description

This is an aesthetic arrangement of sparkling bright green dioptase crystals on light matrix. The dioptase crystals are sharp and lustrous, with good internal play of light.  In excellent condition, no damage, and sits perfectly as photographed. Very pretty!

About These Dioptase Specimens

Dioptase was first described from Altyn Tyube, the type locality for dioptase, in the nineteenth century. Altyn Tyube is a remarkable deposit in the Steppes, far from everywhere. It was first worked for copper thousands of years B.C., and it is interesting to note that there are very few copper minerals at the locality – dioptase with occasional minor malachite and cuprite. These beautiful specimens are contemporary, acquired from the team currently conducting specimen mining at Altyn Tyube.