Dioptase on Quartz with Plancheite / Shattuckite

Item Description

There are a few world localities that produce superb Dioptase specimens, and a few years ago we started seeing some impressive specimens coming out of the Pool Department of the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). The best specimens host larger than average crystals with fine color, sharpness, luster and sometimes EXCELLENT gemminess. Here we have a nice eye-catching miniature display specimen featuring sharp, lustrous, gemmy, trigonal, classic emerald green color Dioptase crystals which measure up to 7 mm. They are sitting on a thin layer of drusy Quartz which coats powder blue Shattuckite / Plancheite, giving it a softer appearance. Small spherical "balls" of brown-grey colored Goethite can be seen on the piece as well. Very little damage, but a few crystal are broken. I really love how most of the Dioptase crystals are fairly isolated, giving them distinction and the ability to stand out. The combination, form, and overall aesthetic appeal makes this a very desirable and high quality specimen of this very attractive material.