Dioptase (w. calcite)

TSNB871
Specimen
Gardner, A.E.
Exhibit 1. Dioptase (w. calcite); 56 mm.
Exhibit 1. Dioptase (w. calcite); 56 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood

Specimen Title

Dioptase (w. calcite)

Associated Minerals

calcite

Principal Mineral

Dioptase

Size

Cabinet; 56mm

Location in the Mine

Second oxidation zone

Provenance

Gardner, A.E.

Collection

Geoscience Australia; R22793

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB871

Description

A cavernous intergrowth of colourless calcite rhombs (to 2 mm) with well-formed dioptase crystals (exceptionally to 10 mm).

The specimen was number 793 in the collection of the Reverend A. E. Gardner, which was purchased by the Australian Bureau of Mineral Resources (now Geoscience Australia) in 1974. There is no record of earlier provenance or location in the mine, but the paragenesis is diagnostic for the second oxidation zone.