Dioptase, Smoky Quartz: Mindouli, Republic of the Congo

Description

Species: Dioptase, Quartz var. Smoky

Locality: Mindouli, Mindouli District, Pool Department, Republic of the Congo

Dimensions: 14.5 x 9 x 6.5 cm.

This is a beautiful large cabinet-size specimen featuring a geode-like pocket of highly-lustrous, gemmy smoky quartz crystals showing a “herkimer-like” habit on a matrix of vibrant blue dioptase crystals. While this is a nice dioptase from Mindouli, what really makes this special is the outstanding quality of the smoky quartz for the locality, some of which also has dioptase inclusions. Mark Cross photo.