Dioptase

Dioptase (from the ancient Greek διοπτεύω — see through (cleavage cracks are often visible within the crystal); also: achirite, achirite, copper emerald, Congo emerald, kirghizite) is a mineral, a copper silicate.

Dioptase is too rare to be mined as an ore. Despite its remarkable color, its good cleavage and fragility make it difficult to process into jewelry. In some cases, it is used in exclusive jewelry as inlays of uncut crystals or crystal brushes. In icon painting, it is valued as a mineral pigment. Skillfully extracted specimens containing dioptase crystals are aesthetically very attractive, adorn museums, and are highly prized by collectors, leading to its dedicated mining as a collectible.

Deposits: Altyn-Tobe (Kazakhstan) and Tantara Mine (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

•Chemical Description: Mineral. Copper silicate.

•Chemical Formula: Cu6[Si6O18]×6H2O.

•Lightfastness: 8

•Alkali Resistance: 5

•Lime Resistance: 5

•Acid Resistance: 4

•Color Index: No data available

•Suitability: Acrylic, Tempera, Watercolor/Gouache, Oil

•Linse

•Color: Emerald green

•Form: Powder