This unusual specimen is a very attractive, shimmering cluster of violet-colored diopside crystals, from a new find in early 2008. I picked this up on a trade from a collector at Munich who says he got it from the original collector in Munich as well, and that it was the best of the lot for size/aesthetics balance. I had not seen others, so I will trust him on this. Most unusual!

Diopside from Pakistan seldom reaches this kind of size, gemminess, and quality level. Normally they are just thin, bladed, rocks of moderate interest only. This stunning gem crystal is , in fact to my eye, the best I have seen for several reasons: its olive-green color, superb sharp habit, broad termination, and size. It is totally unique from the fine diopside being produced in Tanzania, which are the only ones I think even remotely compare, at this level of gemminess.It is actually complete all around, though having very minor edge wear on a few minor back edges. It is big, dramatic, and has glassy lustre....extremely impressive in person! For a Pakistani or rare gem crystals suite, this is a major addition.

A superb, sharp, textbook grossular garnet with the choice color for this locality, perched up on a single diopside crystal. Classic and rare combo! From the Garnet Collection of William Larson's company, Pala Intl, on display in their gallery for decades. Joe Budd Photos.