Cornetite - crystallized, with minor Malachite
stock #20.1-142
L Etoile du Congo Mine (Star of the Congo), Lubumbashi
Haut-Katanga Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
10.8 x 6.3 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $330
A sparkling vivid blue specimen from the famed "sparkle pocket" found decades ago. The piece is well-mineralized on both sides but only one side has the rich lustrous sparkles. The specimen is sawn on one side and this cut is visible from most display angles. Despite that saw mark the specimen is a very rich example of what was perhaps the best find ever for the specie.
Dioptase
stock #12.1-017
Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove District
Haut-Katanga Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
3.3 x 2.8 x 1.8 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $240
Emerald green and glassy Dioptase crystals in a very nice cluster from the Tantara Mine (Katanga). The largest crystal is just under 2 CM, there is no matrix just pure Dioptase in very good condition as seen. The Dioptase from Congo does not have the ultra bright luster of a fine Tsumeb specimen but can be a bit brighter than many from Kaokoveldt. This piece is of that sort, better in person and quite esthetic. Congo Dioptase is not often available, it seems to be found every decade or so in small batches and then there are none for years. This was mined in 2012.
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