Dioptase with Calcite

specimen number:
8311084

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:
Attractive emerald green lustrous crystals of dioptase measuring to 0.8 cm in size on a crystallized calcite matrix with minor duftite. In very good condition with just slight damage along one edge of the dioptase crystal cluster as seen in the video.

The Tsumeb Mine in northern Namibia is one of the most famous mineral localities in the world and was worked mainly for copper, lead, and zinc from the late 1800s until its closure in 1996. The deposit is well known for its complex oxidized zones that produced an exceptional variety of mineral species. Dioptase, a bright green copper silicate, is one of the notable minerals found at the mine. It commonly occurs as sharp, transparent to translucent crystals lining cavities in the oxidized ore. Although not as abundant as at some other localities, dioptase from Tsumeb is valued by collectors for its vivid color and well formed crystals.

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