Malachite and Calcite on Dioptase - image 1

Malachite and Calcite on Dioptase - image 2

Malachite and Calcite on Dioptase

$4,500.00

Free shipping
Seller offers an extended return window of up to 30 days
Ships from USA

T

The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

This interesting specimen of primary malachite, combined with dioptase, is a really unusual association of the two copper bearing species. They do not really seem to touch and are separated by the layer of calcite. Large, elongated crystals of what we are calling "primary malachite" are notably unusual, in that it is not a replacement of previous azurite crystals, where azurite is known for extended and large crystals. The color contrast is shocking and memorable here, and the "eyes" leap out in three dimensions as we display it on a custom base. I have known about the piece in larger size for 15 years, on and off, through a few collections. It has recently been trimmed down to a new size. The malachites centered nicely in the middle of the field of snowy white calcite, so it looks like a couple of eyes. From an early 2000s find, when the Tantara first started exporting good specimens, this seems to have been fairly unique and we have not seen others of similar aesthetics. (*custom base is included)