Diopside

The mineralisation at Slyudyanka, in the Lake Baikal Area of Eastern-Siberia, Russia, is quite remarkable in that of the 71 minerals recorded, it is the type locality to 18 species; that is one quarter of its species were first discovered there.  Having disclosed this mineralogical morsel, the terrific Diopside crystal we offer from this locality does not count amongst these 18, but it is a delight non-the-less!  An ex. matrix miniature, the Diopside is essentially opaque, but has translucent and even transparent zones throughout.  This well-developed crystal displays most of its prism and termination faces completely intact, with a variable colour from deep chrome-green to milky-cucumber green.  It comes with a K. Kontrus of Wien label and is ex. the Dr Josef Clemente Collection.