Dioptase

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Dioptase

Description

An emerald green copper silicate mineral that has been used as a Gemstone since Greco-Roman times. The prismatic dioptase crystals are found in large clumps which tend to fracture unevenly. Dioptase is found usually near copper deposits and occurs in Russia, Congo, Central African Republic, South West Africa, Zaire, Chile, and the United States (Arizona).

Dioptase

Synonyms and Related Terms

dioptasa (Esp.); dioptase (Fr., Port.); Dioptas (Deut.); dioptaas (Ned.)

Raman

DioptaseRS.jpg


Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Hexagonal crystal system with prismatic crystals.
  • Cleavage is perfect in three directions.
  • Fracture = conchoidal and brittle
  • Luster = vitreous.
  • Streak = pale greenish-blue.
Composition CuSiO2(OH)2
Mohs Hardness 5.0
Density 3.28-3.35 g/ml
Refractive Index 1.65-1.71

Resources and Citations

  • Jack Odgen, Jewellery of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications Inc., New York City, 1982
  • Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976
  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979

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