Description
Detailed Description
This one is about saturated deep green colour – this is intense green. Comprised entirely of dioptase, this crystal cluster is quite three-dimensional (and actually has a crystallized hollow in the back/underneath). The main knob of crystals, essentially most of the specimen, is in excellent condition with minor chipping. Peripheral areas are incomplete where this dioptase was attached to the surrounding rock. Stands perfectly for display as photographed (ideally with a stand, just for stability). This is a great colourful specimen in the cabinet – no problem seeing it from across the room!
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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.
