2.6" Gemmy Dioptase Clusters with Mimetite - N'tola Mine, Congo

This is a very nice specimen that features small clusters of dioptase crystals and mimetite crystals, collected from the N'tola Mine of the Republic of the Congo. The entire specimen is 2.6" long and the dioptase is a lustrous, emerald-green color.

The base of this specimen has been cut flat for presentation.

Dioptase is an uncommon mineral, found mostly in desert regions where it forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide mineral deposits. This copper-based mineral forms small rhombohedral crystals, typically less than 0.75 centimeters in length. It is popular with mineral collectors due to its vibrant color and it is occasionally cut into small emerald-like gems.

Mimetite is a lead chloro-arsenate mineral with the chemical formula of Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. Depending on conditions during formation/replacement, arsenate radicals (As04) can be replaced by a phosphate (PO4) or vanadate (VO4) radical. This alteration is what leads to the formation of pyromorphite and vanadinite, hence why they are typically found associated with each other. Often red to yellow in color, mimetite can occur in a variety of structures, from small prismatic clusters and crusts to incredible hexagonal crystals both thick and thin.


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DETAILS
SPECIES
Dioptase & Mimetite
LOCATION
N'tola Mine, Mindoili District, Republic of Congo
SIZE
2.6 x 2.6"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#148466