Dioptase Specimen

Science & Origin of Dioptase

Dioptase is an extremely rare Copper cyclosilicate mineral that crystallizes in small prismatic shards, as well as inclusions within Quartz. This mineral occurs around other copper bearing minerals such as Chrysocolla, Malachite and Shattikite. It forms on copper veins that have been exposed to extensive oxidation. The color can range from a deep emerald green to a lighter green that can resemble a slight blue hue. Dioptase is one of the rarest stones on the market and has only a few known localities in the entire world. The highest quality Dioptase ever recorded has come out of Tsumeb, Namibia. Tsumeb is deemed the most important deposit of this mineral, however the second important location is the original place of discovery, Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan. The entire state of Arizona, located in the United States, has numerous active mines pulling out Dioptase.

Dioptase was first discovered in the late 1700’s by copper miners in Kazakhstan. They believed it to be a massive vein of Emerald and sent specimens to Moscow, Russia for testing. It turned out to be an unknown mineral and was deemed invaluable. However, that changed in 1797 when Rene Just Huey, the famed French mineralogist, got his hands on this mineral and officially recorded it into the mineral kingdom. He chose to name it after the Greek words “dio” and “optos”, meaning “through” and “visible”. This was referring to the cleavage seen within the mineral when looking at a complete and near perfect Dioptase crystal.

Meaning & Energy

Dioptase is a vibrant talisman of the heart that can help one relinquish extremely sensitive emotions such as grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-hate. This special mineral exposes one’s heart and brings about soothing waves of life force energy that helps “reset” one’s emotional body.

We strongly recommend this crystal for anyone struggling with emotional pain. Sometimes one must understand that the answer isn’t physical and the change isn’t instant. Dioptase will teach you that vital lesson, along with life’s most important tool, patience. This mineral is very rare and hard to come by, just know that whenever Dioptase comes into your life, it is for a very special reason.

Weight: 228 ct