Dioptase, Shattuckite, and Malachite, Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo
This terrific and unusual specimen shows well all around 360 degrees. The one side is dominated by chatoyant to acicular Malachite and first generation, emerald-green translucent dioptase, the other side by second generation teal blue-green Dioptase and striking, powder-to-cornflower blue botryoidal Shattuckite. Shattuckite is a rare copper silicate mineral that seldom crystallizes, so this co-occurrence is noteworthy. Beautiful chatoyancy is evident when examining the exposed Shattuckite spheres. Minor accessory reniform chrysocolla or plancheite, drusy quartz, and an unknown black cubic mineral, possibly a ps after cuprite, can be seen on the piece for a nice accent. The color contrasts and varieties of crystal habits on this specimen are just superb. This is an exceptional and rare combination piece that most definitely meets the definition of “eye candy.”
