Description
Detailed Description
This is a gorgeous dioptase specimen, distinctive for the separation of the crystals on the calcite matrix. The crystals are sharp, with bright glassy lustre, whie the crystals also have great translucence. In excellent condition, among hundreds of crystals, four are incomplete. Stands perfectly for display as photographed. For its colour, sparkle, glow and contrast, this is a superb Altyn Tyube dioptase specimen.
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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 were mined in 2015, acquired soon afterward from the team currently conducting specimen mining at Altyn Tyube.
