VTs-015
Dioptase - $950

One of the staples of any collection, especially a Tsumeb collection, is Dioptase.  Perhaps the signature mineral from this storied locality, the color of this species is never duplicated (neither in nature nor in photos).  These photos are pretty darn good with regard to accurately portraying the color of the Dioptase, but it is still better in person.  This hand sized specimen features dozens and dozens of sparkling, emerald-green color Dioptase crystals on white Calcite.  There are a few contacts here and there, hence the reduced price, but it is not common to find a very nice cabinet sized Dioptase for under $1000 on the market today.

Locality:  Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 9.8 x 8.8 x 5.4 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-010
Malachite on Dolomite - $250 (SOLD)

Lovely, acicular, chatoyant rich green color Malachite “needles” are sprinkled on a mound of beautifully contrasting white Dolomite matrix.  I especially like the “halo” of Malachite that is draped around the base of a protruding mound of Dolomite.

Locality:  Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 11.7 x 6.8 x 4.6 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-005
Malachite - $200 (SOLD)

This piece is a lovely thick group consisting of thousands of acicular, chatoyant, forest green Malachite “needles” on matrix.  You can see that the piece has a full coverage with crystals spraying in every direction.  A beautiful Tsumeb Malachite for the size and price.

Locality:  Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 11.3 x 5.7 x 3.7 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection
Ex – Nauke Oechslin Collection

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VTs-006
Malachite - $150 (SOLD)

This piece hosts thousands of acicular, chatoyant, forest green Malachite “needles” forming “sprays” and “tufts” on matrix.  You can see that the piece has a full coverage with crystals spraying in every direction.  A beautiful Tsumeb Malachite for the size and price.

Locality:  Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 11.7 x 7.5 x 7.2 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-038
Dioptase with Wulfenite and Malachite on Quartz - $300 (SOLD)

One of the most intriguing aspects of Tsumeb specimens is the fact that one can find so many species on the same piece. This specimen has at least four individual species, and there might be more. It is comprised of a somewhat layered/porous crystallized Quartz matrix that hosts gemmy, sharp, isolated, emerald-green color Dioptase crystals which are associated with small, tabular greenish-yellow Wulfenite blades, and velvety mint-green colored Malachite. A wonderful association piece for any Tsumeb collector.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 9.5 x 5.5 x 4.4 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-048
Malachite on Calcite - $400 (SOLD)

This is a very attractive Malachite specimen consisting of beautiful green color, acicular, velvety crystals which are oriented into botryoidal aggregates sitting on lovely contrasting whitish Calcite rhombs on matrix. A great cabinet display specimen in very good condition.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 9.6 x 5.3 x 4.5 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection
Ex – University of Richmond Collection – Acquired 1990

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VTs-077
Dioptase - $(SOLD)

This hand sized specimen features hundreds of sharp, translucent, radiant, emerald-green color Dioptase crystals coating a slight layer of Calcite with minor Duftite on a thin plate of matrix. The specimen is in near pristine condition overall. It seems that the price of fine quality Tsumeb Dioptase specimens rises daily, and one can certainly understand why when you hold one in your hand. One of the staples of any collection, especially a Tsumeb collection, is Dioptase. Perhaps the signature mineral from this storied locality, the color of this species is never duplicated (neither in nature nor in photos). These photos are pretty darn good with regard to accurately portraying the color of the Dioptase, but it is still better in person.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 8.2 x 5.1 x 3.0 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-079
Dioptase - $2500

When the name Tsumeb is mentioned, one of the first images that appear in the mind of a collector is the resplendent Dioptase specimens that once actually CROWDED the mineral market. My father, along with other collectors and dealers told me that people used to actually complain that there was TOO MUCH (!) Dioptase available from Tsumeb 30 years ago. Can you imagine an environment where the world’s finest Dioptase specimens became so “boring” that people wanted to see something else from Tsumeb to buy !? In all fairness, my father did tell me that he was convinced at one point that his grave would be backfilled with all the extra Dioptase he had in his inventory, and now every single piece is gone. It is amazing for me to think that Dioptase was so abundant back then, and it is nearly impossible to obtain even an average Tsumeb Dioptase for a decent price today. This hand sized specimen features hundreds of sharp, translucent, radiant, emerald-green color Dioptase crystals coating a slight layer of Calcite with minor Duftite on a thin plate of matrix. Save the periphery were the specimen was removed from the pocket wall, the piece is in near pristine condition overall. It seems that the price of fine quality Tsumeb Dioptase specimens rises daily, and one can certainly understand why when you hold one in your hand. The color of this species is never duplicated (neither in nature nor in photos). These photos are pretty darn good with regard to accurately portraying the color of the Dioptase, but it is still better in person.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 8.1 x 6.7 x 3.1 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-087
Dioptase - $100 (SOLD)

This large miniature size specimen consists of a coverage of superb quality, sharp, highly lustrous, deep emerald green color Dioptase crystals on matrix. The reverse side of the specimen (not pictured) actually has some slightly larger Dioptase crystals than the front. This is one of the species that made Tsumeb what it is today. Considering how difficult it is to photograph Dioptase, I’m pretty happy with the way the color came out in these photos, although it is notably better in person.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 5.5 x 4.2 x 2.0 cm.

Largest Dioptase: 6.0 mm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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VTs-090
Dioptase on Mottramite - $100 (SOLD)

Some small, but attractive Dioptase crystals are sitting atop of light olive green color botryoidal Mottramite on matrix. A good reference specimen of this rarely seen combo.

Locality: Tsumeb mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Specimen Size: 6.3 x 4.2 x 4.1 cm.
Ex – Rob Smith Collection

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