Detailed sheet

dioptase

It has long been confused with emerald with whom shares the same color, but it was identified in 1801 as a specific species by René Just Haüy.
Its name comes from the Greek, recalls that its cleavage planes are visible through the crystal, which was observed by Haüy.



CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

CuSiO2(OH)2

copper cyclosilicate mineral



PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Main color

green

also bluish green

Color of streak

green

Luster

vitreous

Hardness

5.0 to 0.0

Density

3.30 to 3.35

Cleavage

perfect

Fracture

uneven



OPTICAL PROPERTIES

Transparency

translucent, transparent

Refractive index

1.645 - 1.710

Double refraction

0.051

definite uniaxial positive

visible double refraction

No

Dispersion

0.035(0.020)

Pleochroism

weak

Number of colors

2

dark green, light green

Absorption spectrum

550 - 465

dioptase spectrum system

Fluorescence

none



CRYSTALS PROPERTIES

short prisms, fragile, sometimes twinned, colorful

crystals system

trigonal



OTHER INFORMATIONS

Astrological sign

Capricorn, Leo, Pisces

Exploited
sites

The first dioptases arrived in the west from the Kyrgyz steppes.
It is a mineral widely spread where there are copper deposits but rarely found in large well-formed crystals: Democratic Republic of Congo, Zaire (Katanga) above, Namibia (Tsumeb), Chile, USA, Peru, South West Africa, Russia …

use in jewelry

It is rarely cut into cabochons or faceted but kept rough and protected in a frame of gold or precious metal.

Daily care
and precautions

Sensitive to shocks and household products, to wash very quickly, only with soapy water, and rinse with clean water and dry immediately.

Historical
healing properties

It would release the emotional knots and help regain sensitivity, therefore suitable for disillusioned people, wounded in pride that love pains made insensitive, hardened. Since ancient times it was confused with the emerald for its color, the same it was called “ medicinal emerald “ because its copper content made it possible to prepare ointments that would have fungicidal properties … it is even awarded an invigorating action on the heart energy. Helping to solve some problems, it is seen as bringing joy and well-being.

Other
Gems

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