Of all Tsumeb's spectacular minerals, the copper silicate Dioptase is widely considered its signature species. Dioptase is much loved by collectors for its emerald-like colour and Tsumeb has produced some of the world's best. This charming small miniature has a completely hidden core of creamy-tan Dolomite, encrusted with glassy lustrous Dioptase crystals up to 1 cm across. Their colour is that of deep and rich emerald-green; the outer zones being transparent with inner translucent centres. The crystal centres reflect light from internal planes, giving an inner glow of electric emerald-green and amazing variations in colour. Superb!
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