Dioptase on Smithsonite

This antique and puzzling specimen of dioptase on an unusual sparkling matrix was acquired from A. L. McGuiness in the 1970s. It was one of Jack's favorite Dioptase specimens of his favorite green species - probably his first dioptase, as well. And, he had many! This is unique because it is a fine large dioptase crystal that seems to be the style of the mid 1980s find, but came out earlier; and it is uniquely on a strange matrix. The 3-dimensional matrix turns out to be sparkling green (cuprian) smithsonite. This is the only such piece we are aware of; and it is also fine, well-formed, and beautiful at the same time. The crystals are somewhat translucent, with shimmering and glassy surfaces you can look into. The cluster is 3 cm across. The matrix at first seems to be smithsonite pseudomorphed after a bladed mineral - but it is so unusual and solid throughout, that this matrix could also be simply a strange formation of curving, stalactite-like smithsonite. Despite all the thousands of specimens out there of dioptase, this one not only stands out to my jaded eye but it surprises you the more you look at it and has always been a favorite of mine in his collection. Illustrated full page as figure 236 on page #221 of of Addicted to Beauty: The Legacy of Jack Halpern (Mineralogical Record, March 2025). As stated by Wendell Wilson on the Halpern book: Winner of the 2015 Richard Pearl Trophy at the Denver Gem and Mineral Show (awarded to the best specimen entered into a special competition). Interestingly, this specimen seems to have a unique assemblage and style (of the 8,600 Tsumeb specimens listed on Mindat, there are no dioptase-on-smithsonite specimens); and although the dioptase resembles material from the mid-1980s, it actually predates the “big find” that put Tsumeb dioptase on the map (in the 1980s). Custom base included.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Dioptase, Smithsonite

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions7.8 x 6.0 x 5.9 cm

Locality

Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Added on04/03/2025

Comments

Known provenance

2025/11