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Dioptase on Calcite
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Unknown Owner
The copper silicate, Dioptase, is probably the iconic mineral associated with the world famous Tsumeb mine in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia. Fine crystals of Dioptase are known from various other localities worldwide, but this find at Tsumeb, where individual Dioptase crystals are scattered over a bed of snow-white Calcite, has become the all-time showstopper! With the display face measuring almost 4 x 3.5 cm, at least seven individual, rich and bright emerald green prisms, averaging about 0.7 cm, are scattered over this, with many other, considerably small prisms surrounding them. The Dioptase is characteristically transparent to translucent and with a bright, glassy lustre. Following this discovery at Tsumeb in the late 1970s, specimens were plentiful and comparatively inexpensive. However, as is the trend with many mineral specimens, once the Dioptase zone was exhausted and the mine closed in 1998, it has become one of the most sought after species from the mine.
Product details
Species
SizeMiniature
Dimensions3.3 x 3.9 x 1.3 cm
Added on07/09/2025
Locality
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 05/2026 | Unknown Owner | $2,800.00 |
| — | Crystal Classics | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Dioptase
vivid emerald-green crystals with glassy luster, often on white calcite or quartz; highly collectible due to color, clarity, and brittleness.
Regional guide
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