Dioptase
Dioptase is a copper cyclosilicate mineral. The mineral is known to occur in blue-green, lustrous crystals. Crystals of Dioptase have occured in both larger and smaller sizes. Microcrystalline Dioptase has been found at the Christmas and Mammoth-St. Anthony Mines of Arizona, while visible crystals of the mineral have been recovered from the Kaokoveld Plateau of Namibia.
Uses
Dioptase is primarily noted for its collectible value.
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Cu6Si6O18·6H2O |
| Hardness | 5-5 |
| Crystal System | Rhombohedral |
| Mineral Class | Silicates |
| Luster | Vitreous, sub-Adamantine |