Dioptase

$850.00

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Well-known for its Dioptase occurrences, the Kaokoveld Plateau in Kunene Region, Namibia is not usually able to compete with the likes of Tsumeb mine where the Dioptase crystals are renowned for their exceptional clarity and brightness. However, this superb display specimen indicates that Kaokoveld Plateau has provided world-class crystallized Dioptase, albeit slightly different in form. One of the main features of Dioptase crystals from Kaokoveld Plateau is their more elongated, prismatic form, and this is demonstrated extremely well by this fine specimen. Individually, the Dioptase crystals on this piece reach up to 9 mm in length with many being much gemmier than usually expected for the locality. Another distinctive feature is the partial overgrowth of Quartz, preferentially covering the tips of a few of the Dioptase crystals as spiky microcrystals, some tinted pale blue by the green Dioptase underneath. This extremely well-crystallized Dioptase has a powdery, pale blue Chrysocolla matrix with a few fragments of Quartz held inside. A really fine Kaokoveld Plateau specimen from an older German collection.