Dioptase

$180.00

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Dioptase - hydrated copper silicate - is one of the most beautiful and intensely coloured copper minerals known. When it was first discovered, during the 18th century, it was called emerald copper, due to its astonishing colour, gemminess, and because it contains copper. For over a century there was only one place in the world for great crystals - Altyn-Tyube in a remote part of Kazakhstan - but then Tsumeb mine was discovered along with many other rich occurrences in central Africa. This very large thumbnail specimen from Altyn-Tyube features a 1.7 cm long (very large for the locality) doubly-terminated gemmy, intense emerald-green Dioptase crystal perched with a few smaller crystals on a small piece of matrix. This crystal presents extremely well and is in great condition, and is from the Type Locality. Ex David Hardman collection.