Description/Interesting Notes:
A rare and aesthetic old time example of dioptase from this seldom referenced locale - Guchab!!! Yes, that is right, this is not Tsumeb
material - although they look VERY similar at first glance!!! These old time specimens from Guchab represented some of the finest
examples of the species in their day - which was more than 50 years prior to the discovery of the Tsumeb specimens!!! These
specimens are quite rare today and, unfortunately were likely made even more scarce because many of them were erroneously
relabelled as being from Tsumeb due to their remarkable similarity!!! Upon close inspection, one
can actually see some very distinct and characteristic differences from Tsumeb material however!!! The crystals actually have
highly complex features and modifications!!! Upon close inspection with a scope or loupe, one can see that there are
many edges and corners that appear to be almost curved due to their highly complex features!!! Although it was difficult to capture in the pics, these
features are much more prominent in person!!! The crystals
have incredible gemminess and glassy luster as well!!! There are areas where the dioptase crystals
are partially coated with a later growth of tiny dioptase crystals along with some tiny calcite crystals, giving the specimen an
aesthetic two-tone appearance in person!!! In addition to the fine crystals, the overall form of the specimen is quite
showy in and of itself - consisting of a dramatic stalactite-like form in the middle of the specimen!!! This specimen is from
the collection of Bill Lorah!!! Rare old time material!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY JUNE 14th!!!
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