Dioptase with Chrysocolla and Apophyllite, Christmas Mine, Banner Mining District, Gila County, Arizona, USA
Gorgeous, gemmy, transparent emerald-green crystals of dioptase in radiating acicular sprays, generously sprinkled across attractively contrasting matrix. The sparkle and gemminess of the dioptase crystals are exceptional.
The dioptase is presented in association with glassy, water-clear apophyllite crystals and pale green to powder-blue chrysocolla. The predominate species of Apophyllite at the Christmas Mine is Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). The chrysocolla contains relict replacement structures and color zonation which suggest it is a pseudomorph after another mineral, possibly calcite.
According to Arkenstone, the distinctive dioptase from this mine is among the most easily recognizable specimens from any locality in the world. The mine, now extinct, is one of the most esteemed of all Arizona localities, and is considered among the most classic localities in the United States.
