Dioptase with Fornacite

Description

A compact natural specimen richly covered with sharply formed, emerald-green Dioptase crystals and a supplier-attributed Fornacite association.

This natural collector specimen comes from the N’tola Mine in the Mindouli District of the Republic of the Congo, a locality well known among mineral collectors for richly coloured Dioptase.

The principal display face is crowded with sharply formed Dioptase crystals showing intense emerald-green colour and bright vitreous lustre. Reflective crystal faces contrast strongly with the darker matrix, while the supplier-attributed Fornacite association adds mineralogical interest.

Measuring approximately 3 × 2 × 1.5 cm, the specimen displays attractively from several angles. It is mounted on the bevelled glass base shown and supplied inside its protective thumbnail display box.

The recorded Fornacite association gives this Dioptase piece another aspect of interest alongside the emerald-green crystals. It follows the attribution supplied with the specimen; the description does not establish a new identification from appearance alone. The contrast between the main crystal growth and the associated material is part of its appeal as a mineral association.

Dioptase is a hydrated copper silicate, distinct from emerald despite its striking green colour. It forms in the oxidised zone of some copper deposits and is particularly appealing when its glassy crystal faces remain exposed. The combination of strong colour and clearly crystallised growth gives it a recognisable place among copper minerals.

A Dioptase group rewards attention to both the larger faces and the smaller crystals between them. Changes in viewing angle can turn a dark surface into a bright reflection without changing the mineral itself. Its crystal arrangement, distribution over the matrix and overall silhouette help distinguish one piece from another. These are the features that give a cluster its individual display character.

The recorded origin is N’tola Mine, Mindouli District, Republic of the Congo. The locality and mineral associations follow the information supplied with this specimen. Its individual growth and matrix provide the visual details described here.

The specimen measures Approx. 3 × 2 × 1.5 cm. Its compact presentation makes it suitable for a boxed mineral collection, where the individual crystals and their association can be appreciated at close range.

Condition: Natural and unenhanced. Please study every photograph for crystal edges, contacts and matrix detail.

Care: Dioptase is fragile. Handle the base rather than the crystals and clean only with a soft, dry brush.