Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/66606673@N00">cobalt123</a> from Phoenix, Arizona, USA (CC BY-SA 2.0)
trigonaluncommonsilicates
Dioptase
CuSiO3·H2O
This specimen features a vibrant cluster of deep emerald green, transparent to translucent dioptase crystals, exhibiting a 'gemmy' quality and forming a significant mass on its matrix.
Dioptase Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
greenCleavage
perfect on {1011}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.28Colors
emerald green, bluish-green, dark greenTransparency
transparentType Locality
Tsumeb, NamibiaMineral Group
silicatesUses
collector's mineral, minor gemstoneAssociated Minerals
malachite, chrysocolla, calcite, quartz, azuriteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Dioptase is a secondary copper cyclosilicate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid environments.
