Dioptase

Of all Tsumeb’s spectacular minerals, the copper silicate Dioptase is widely considered its signature species.  Dioptase is much loved by collectors for its emerald-like colour and Tsumeb has produced some of the world’s best.  This charming small miniature has a completely hidden core of creamy-tan Dolomite, encrusted with glassy lustrous Dioptase crystals up to 1 cm across.  Their colour is that of deep and rich emerald-green; the outer zones being transparent with inner translucent centres.  The crystal centres reflect light from internal planes, giving an inner glow of electric emerald-green and amazing variations in colour.  Superb!