Description

Detailed Description

Pure, intense dioptase green, this is a gorgeous miniature. The dioptase crystals are sharp, lustrous and have nice internal play of light. This specimen has particularly good, aesthetic form. In excellent condition – no damage visible from the optimal viewing angle, a couple of missing crystals around the back.  Lots of sparkling green – super!

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.