Large Calcite with Dioptase inclusions

Item Description

Here is a large group of Calcite rhombohedrons tinted green by numerous, very fine dispersed Dioptase crystals included within! Select faces show the color and other faces do not, which is some strange and interesting result of growth in solution long ago. This is a HUGE specimen of the style, and mid or pre-1980s: The Calcite crystal faces and edges are very sharp and crystals measure up to 2.5 cm, or one inch, on edge. The growth history on quick inspection is seemingly simple; however, select edges of the Calcite crystals and the bottom of the piece reveal a more complex history: An early, unimpressive stage of gray-white Calcite was overgrown by a later stage of off-white Calcite, that was interrupted by the deposition of a very thin, 0.2mm, layer of microscopic, emerald green Dioptase crystals, that itself was later overgrown by continued crystallization of Calcite. Here and there, clusters of tiny, emerald-green Dioptase crystals are present on some of the Calcite crystals without a later overgrowth of Calcite! A lovely piece with an interesting paragenesis (layers of formation), and just a big and beautiful Tsumeb classic. Valued $2500-plus.