Huge, 9.1" Sparkling Dioptase Crystal Cluster - N'tola Mine, Congo

This is a jaw-dropping cluster of sparkling dioptase crystals that was collected from the N'tola Mine in the Republic of the Congo. This mine has been closed since 2019, so this material is old stock. This large specimen measures 9.1" wide and the dioptase is a lustrous, emerald-green color. Golden mimetite crystals can be found along one edge of the matrix.

Comes with an acrylic/metal display stand.

Dioptase is an uncommon mineral, found mostly in desert regions where it forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide mineral deposits. This copper-based mineral forms small rhombohedral crystals, typically less than 0.75 centimeters in length. It is popular with mineral collectors due to its vibrant color and it is occasionally cut into small emerald-like gems.

Mimetite is a lead chloro-arsenate mineral with the chemical formula of Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. Depending on conditions during formation/replacement, arsenate radicals (As04) can be replaced by a phosphate (PO4) or vanadate (VO4) radical. This alteration is what leads to the formation of pyromorphite and vanadinite, hence why they are typically found associated with each other. Often red to yellow in color, mimetite can occur in a variety of structures, from small prismatic clusters and crusts to incredible hexagonal crystals both thick and thin.



FOR SALE
$1,495
DETAILS
SPECIES
Dioptase
LOCATION
N'tola Mine, Mindouli, Mindouli District, Pool Department, Republic of the Congo
SIZE
9.1 x 7.6 x 4.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#209711