2.3" Sparkling Dioptase Crystal Cluster - Republic of the Congo
This is a beautiful cluster of sparkling dioptase crystals collected from the Mindouli District in the Republic of the Congo. It also contains small clusters of yellow mimetite. It has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.
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.
SPECIES
Dioptase & Mimetite
LOCATION
Mindouli, Mindouli District, Pool Department, Republic of the Congo
SIZE
2.3 x 1.8"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#277842