DIOPTASE WITH DUFTITE. ...

Description

DIOPTASE WITH DUFTITE
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Fine Tsumeb specimens do not normally present viewers with mineralogical puzzles - the combination of Dioptase, Duftite and Calcite is usually straight-forward in nature. What is odd about this example, is that this specimen, pictured and described in the book "Namibia" by von Bezing (p. 164) is identified as being "Dioptase on Duftite coated Calcite." Close examination of the form of the "Calcite" under the coatings, raises the question of whether the actual sequence is an anomalous one of: Large Dioptase xtls forming on matrix, overcoating of everything with a mixed Calcite/Duftite druze, and finally a secondary deposition of Dioptase on top of everything. Whichever is the case, this is a very unusual example of Dioptase from this most unusual mine. The underlying Dioptase crystals range in size up tp 5/8 of an inch while the paper thin secondary ones are approximately ¼ or 5/16 of an inch. Condition is pristine and there is a custom base for this most unique specimen that measures 3 x 3 x 2 5/8 inches.

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