Dioptase (GEM crystals) (rare locality)

Item Description

Dioptase is a beloved species for its intense emerald green color. Despite the color, Dioptase crystals are typically translucent, though in small instances, GEM QUALITY crystals can be found. The transparent crystals are often smaller, but beautiful up close when viewed under magnification. This piece is from the lesser-known Malpaso Quarry, in Córdoba, Argentina, and was found circa 2007-2008. It features many textbook trigonal prisms measuring up to about 5 mm, but despite their smaller size, they are richly colored, and when backlit, display near WATER-CLEAR internal clarity! The crystals are sitting on slightly etched Calcite matrix. We have taken several photos of the crystals with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. A beautiful example of these notably hard to find Dioptase specimens, and a must-have if you are a fan of worldwide Dioptase specimens.
From the collection of Brian Kosnar.