Dioptase is a rare mineral found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits.
The crystals are very rare, transparent, to cut them.
For more information on Dioptase, see Mindat.org->
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Dioptase
- Translations : Dioptas, Dioptaas, Dioptaasi, Dioptasio, Dioptaz, Диоптаз, Dioptasa, 绿铜矿, 翠銅鉱, Диоптаз
- Synonym : Achirite, Achirite, Aschirite, Diopasite, Emeraudine, Kirghisite
- Etymology : From the Greek "Diopteein" = see inside, the cleavages of the stone can be observed by transparency.
- Discovery: 1797 by Rene Just Haüy
- Type localityThe Altyn-Tyube copper mine in the Kirghese steppes (Karaganda Oblys, Kazakhstan).
Gemological data
- Chemical formula : CuSiO3 · H2O
- Hardness (Mohs) : 5
- Density : 3.28 - 3.35
- Refractive index : ω = 1,644-1,658,
- Birefingence : 0,051-0,053
- Crystal system : Rhomboedric
- Group : Silicates
- Mineralogical Class : Cyclosilicates
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