DIOPTASE with CHRYSOCOLLA. TSUMEB, NAMIBIA (small cabinet)
60 35 40 90
$445.00
Sale price
$445.00
Regular price
Skip to product information
DIOPTASE with CHRYSOCOLLA. TSUMEB, NAMIBIA (small cabinet)
$445.00
Sale price
$445.00
Regular price
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Dioptase is a striking mineral characterized by its vibrant emerald-green to bluish-green hue, classified as a cyclosilicate of copper. It exhibits transparency to translucency and possesses a vitreous to sub-adamantine luster. The chemical formula for dioptase is Cu6Si6O18·6H2O, with an alternative representation as CuSiO2(OH)2. It has a Mohs hardness of 5, comparable to that of tooth enamel, and a specific gravity ranging from 3.28 to 3.35. The mineral features two perfect cleavage directions and one very good cleavage direction, but it is notably fragile, necessitating careful handling. Dioptase crystallizes in a trigonal system, forming six-sided crystals that end in rhombohedra.
This mineral is favored by collectors and is occasionally fashioned into small gemstones. Additionally, it can be ground into a pigment for artistic applications. Historically, dioptase was utilized to accentuate the eyes in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B lime plaster statues found at 'Ain Ghazal, dating back to approximately 7200 BC. In the late 18th century, miners at the Altyn-Tyube mine in Kazakhstan mistakenly believed they had discovered an emerald deposit due to the presence of brilliant green crystals. However, the mineral's lower hardness of 5, in contrast to emerald's hardness of 8, revealed its true identity. In 1797, mineralogist Fr. René Just Haüy recognized this new mineral and named it dioptase, derived from Greek terms meaning "through" and "visible," referencing the visible internal cleavage planes in intact crystals.
Shipping & Returns
We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible.
We want every customer to have a great experience shopping with us. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to our team — we’re here to help and will review every return request with care.
If your item arrives damaged, we kindly ask that you provide a short, continuous video showing the specimen from at least six angles. You can simply hold it in your hands and gently rotate it while filming. Please also include a clear view of the package label in the video so we can assist you as quickly as possible.
For all items reported as damaged or broken, we do require the item to be returned to us before a refund can be processed.
Return shipping costs are initially the responsibility of the customer. However, if your claim is approved after review, we will reimburse your reasonable return postage costs.
Our T&C's or policies prevail in case of a disagreement.
Shop The Full Collection
