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Mineral Specimens with Dioptase
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3.1 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm. A sharp single crystal of rather large size, with perfect termination showing a steep point. The whole crystal is highly translucent and actually also "gemmy" in some areas; and it glows when backlit. Complete-all-around, this is a large, dramatic, full thumbnail specimen or small miniature (toenail). The sheer size and perfection of this crystal would be remarkable from any locale. Ex. Charlie Key.
2.6 x 1.0 x 0.8 cm. A sharp single crystal of rather large size, with perfect termination showing a steep and equant point. The whole crystal is highly translucent and actually also "gemmy" in some areas; and it glows when backlit. Complete-all-around, this is a large, dramatic, full thumbnail specimen. A minor bit of associated quartz on one side (see second photo)...again, going to make this a special thumbnail. Ex. Charlie Key.
4.5 x 3.6 x 1.9 cm. This central crystal is 4.6 cm tall. I have seldom seen or heard of such a giant dioptase crystal from any locale. You just keep looking to see that it surely must be a composite crystal but, it is not. It is a straight, single large crystal. The big one is flanked by smaller crystals (mostly complete, though a few have edge contacting), all with electric green color, good lustre, and a glowing translucency that will make this pocket famous, I predict. Ex. Charlie Key.
4.5 x 3.8 x 1.9 cm. A radial spray of pristine, glowing green, elongated dioptase crystals runs across the top of this flowery specimen. The crystals have the gemminess and transparency of this relatively new mine, which will someday be famous I predict. The brown, vitreous cerussite crystal in the middle is a nice accent. Ex. Charlie Key.
3.3 x 1.7 x 0.9 cm. This is a superb thumbnail dioptase. It is gemmy - not just translucent. The crystal is doubly-terminated, and pristine at both ends, complete-all-around save for a small contact on the back, near the cerussite attachment. The gemminess and transparency on this thick crystal can be seen even in normal lighting. This piece is sharp. It has riveting geometry, great lustre, and that gemminess - plus a superb termination in an elongated style that is quite unique to this mine and dissimilar from classic dioptase crystals from Tsumeb, Congo, or Russia. For us, this was the most recent find represented in a small sequel of Charlie Key's collection which we acquired in early 2008. Ex. Charlie Key.
7.5 x 5.4 x 5.1 cm. Most specimens from this new mine are relatively gracile and elegant, or contain massive dioptase with small crystals shooting from it. This special piece is a relative monster, in comparison. It is a large specimen of massive dioptase, with a bit of matrix backing it, on which sit thick, robust, squarish crystals of dioptase of huge size. That large crystal is 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.4 cm in size. It is contacted at the base, but is pristine on its termination and displays very dramatically. The crystals to the lower-left of the big one look oddly squarish- a habit I simply have never seen in dioptase, ever, from anywhere. Although the piece isn't perfect at the edges, it presents a display core that is impactful and shocking for the size of that central crystal; and I think is of some importance in the literal sense of the word, for the species. Ex. Charlie Key.
3.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 cm. This small miniature is the most elegant piece we obtained, and looks like a snake coiled and rising up above its prey. The dioptase is floating, or hanging, or curling, upon this little shard of quartz at its core. All the dioptase is very lustrous, very green, and translucent throughout. A sharp and special specimen, I think. Ex. Charlie Key.
3.3 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm. A sharp single crystal of rather large size, with perfect termination showing a steep point. The whole crystal is highly translucent and actually also "gemmy" in some areas; and it glows when backlit. A small, horizontal, thin cerussite crystal crosses the dioptase for a bit of accent (second photo). Complete-all-around, this is a large, dramatic, full thumbnail specimen or small miniature (toenail). The sheer size and perfection of this crystal would be remarkable from any locale. Ex. Charlie Key.
A LARGE, sparkly specimen of Tsumeb dioptase. While the crystals are rather small and there are a few scrapes on the surface, it is still a big, rich specimen with plenty of sparkly and flash! You almost never see such rich specimens, now 20-years plus out of the ground. 14.1 x 8.6 x 6.3 cm
With the great Tsumeb mine now history, specimens of this quality are hard to come by. These deep, emerald green dioptase crystals, to a whopping 2 cm in length on the largest, completely cover the whole specimen with glistening color. In addition, they are fairly gemmy for the species and have vibrant luster. Just a great piece! NO DAMAGE to the display face. Lastly, the piece photos better horizontally but really can be stood vertically for maximal display, with the larger crystal then centered on the top half of the specimen.5.2 x 3.4 x 1.4 cm
This locality features dioptase with the potential to be generally larger than its Tsumeb relatives, and this piece shows the trait off well! This aesthetic rosette of radiating dioptase crystals displays the variegated, intense, emerald green color so often seen in the Reneville specimens. Several crystals display gemmy highlights and most have incredible luster that is nearly impossible to photograph so it is better in person. There is some peripheral contact around the edges but the central and main crystals are in good shape. The individual crystals reach over 1.5 cm in length. 4.8 x 4.3 x 3.1 cm
A fine old specimen: the crystals of Dioptase have excellent luster, riveting deep green color, and good clarity. The best of the specimens from this locality really do rival those from Tsumeb (and are often confused as such, though these for some reason cost less and are if anything more rare?!). There is some minor contacting where matrix attached through the edges of the cluster, but that does not detract very much. With the largest crystal being a full 2 cm in length, this is clearly a significant and impressive miniature. If it were from Tsumeb, of the same quality, it would cost double. This is the best deal on a good diop I have seen in some time... 3.3 x 3.2 x 2.5 cm
Exactly what it looks like - a REALLY good specimen of dioptase of the topmost quality, on calcite matrix! Specimens of this quality, are almost unobtainable now and the prices escalate EVERY year. Since no more has been found from Tsumeb in 30 years, they should only keep going up in value as the stuff is quite simply one of the most beautiful things in the mineral world and nearly all collectors really wants one at some point. 6.2 x 4 x 3.2 cm
The best GEMMY, Tsumeb-like green crystals for the locality, measuring up to one centimeter, sharp and lustrous, in this pretty, affordable plate! A little damage around the periphery but none in the important part. 4 x 4 x 1.2 cm
Lustrous, bright green crystals to 0.5 cm, isolated on quartz matrix. 4 x 3.8 x 3.2 cm
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Rob Lavinsky, rob@irocks.com
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