Dioptase

specimen number:
8041129

location:
N'tola Mine, Mindouli, Pool, Republic of the Congo

description:
A cup shaped crystal grouping of sparkling deep green dioptase. Minimal micro-damage present, this is in good condition. Crystallized completely all around. Small yellow green crystals of duftite are present.

The N'tola Mine, situated within the historic Mindouli mining district in the Pool Department of the Republic of the Congo, is part of the metalliferous Niari Basin. Geologically, the deposit sits along faulted and permeable contacts between Neoproterozoic karstic limestones and underlying sandstones, where ascending hydrothermal solutions and subsequent supergene weathering created rich pockets of secondary mineralization. Mineralogically, the mine has gained significant attention for producing exceptional, highly lustrous specimens of emerald-green dioptase, frequently found in association with bright yellow mimetite and other secondary copper and lead phases. Historically, while the broader Mindouli region saw pre-colonial artisanal metal extraction and intensive French colonial base metal mining starting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specific operations like the N'tola Mine have more recently become renowned among modern mineral collectors for yielding world-class specimen combinations.

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