Dioptase Cluster 32mm — Tsumeb Emerald Matrix Piece

A dense cluster of vivid emerald-green dioptase crystals fully coats the host rock on this compact specimen, the classic saturated colour and sparkling habit that made Tsumeb Mine material some of the most sought-after copper silicate in the world. Despite its small size, the complete crystal coverage gives it real visual presence.

So why does Tsumeb material carry such weight among collectors? The mine, located in Namibia's Otjikoto region, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mineral localities ever discovered, and this piece comes from the 1998 to 2006 period, part of the final production before the mine closed for good. That closure is exactly why authentic Tsumeb specimens keep growing scarcer and more valuable.

A closer look

The intense green colour across this cluster comes from copper within the crystal structure, the same element responsible for dioptase's gemstone-like brilliance. In metaphysical traditions, that vivid green is tied to heart energy, emotional clarity, and renewal, a reputation that pairs naturally with the piece's striking, jewel-toned appearance.

• Stone: Dioptase
• Form & size: Cluster on matrix, approx. 32mm wide, 21mm high
• Weight: 9.8g
• Locality: Tsumeb Mine, Namibia (mined 1998-2006)

Living with your specimen

Display it in a mineral cabinet, on a curated shelf, or in a display case where its saturated colour can stand out. Handle it gently, since dioptase can be brittle, and clean it only with a soft dry cloth. A genuine locality specimen from a closed mine like this represents a meaningful addition to any curated mineral collection, one that only grows rarer with time.

Please note: crystals are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Keep small pieces away from young children.