Description
Detailed Description
The dioptase crystals on this specimen are remarkable for Altyn Tyube – they are so sharp and glassy, with internal transucence, they are in the same league as dioptase crystals from Tsumeb. The piece stands 5.7 cm tall and it displays as in the first photograph. In exellcent condition, no damage to the display face, just the contact at the base where this joined to the other side of the seam. Stands perfectly for display as shown. Fantastic-quality, intense colour and brilliance – this is a great display specimen.
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About These Dioptase Specimens
Dioptase was first described from Altyn Tyube, the type locality for dioptase, in the nineteenth century. Altyn Tyube is a remarkable deposit in the Steppes, far from everywhere. It was first worked for copper thousands of years B.C., and it is interesting to note that there are very few copper minerals at the locality – dioptase with occasional minor malachite and cuprite. These beautiful specimens were mined in 2015, acquired soon afterward from the team currently conducting specimen mining at Altyn Tyube.
