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Dioptase

Big Photo

DR Congo
3.44 carats
© Mineral Classics

Dioptase Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 
 
 

Dioptase Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Dioptase gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:0.31 cts
Heaviest:3.44 cts
Average:1.64 cts
Total photos:6
Do you have a larger Dioptase? Why not upload a photo?
0.31ct to 0.62ct0.62ct to 0.94ct0.94ct to 1.25ct1.25ct to 1.56ct1.56ct to 1.88ct1.88ct to 2.19ct2.19ct to 2.50ct2.50ct to 2.81ct2.81ct to 3.13ct3.13ct to 3.44ct
General Information
Chemical Formula
CuSiO
 
2
(OH)
 
2
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
Physical Properties of Dioptase
Mohs Hardness5
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Specific Gravity3.25 to 3.35
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Cleavage QualityFair
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
More from other references
FractureSub-Conchoidal
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Optical Properties of Dioptase
Refractive Index1.644 to 1.720
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Optical CharacterUniaxial/+
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Birefringence0.051 to 0.053
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) DoublingMore from other references
PleochroismWeak: green - dark green
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Dispersion0.022
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Colour
Colour (General)Dark vivid bluish-green
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
Causes of ColourGreen, Cu2+ in octahedral coordination
W. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
TransparencyTranslucent
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Usually translucentMore from other references
LustreVitreous
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Fluorescence & other light emissions
Fluorescence (General)Inert
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Crystallography of Dioptase
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
More from other references
HabitPrismatic or rhombohedral crystals
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
More from other references
Geological Environment
Where found:Dioptase is found in the oxidized zones of some copper deposits.
Michael O’Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Further Information
Mineral information:Dioptase information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Kazakhstan
 
  • Karaganda Region
    • Bukhar-Zhyrau
      • Altyn-Tyube area
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 405
Namibia
 
  • Oshikoto Region
    • Tsumeb
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 406
Republic of the Congo
 
  • Pool Department
    • Kindanba District
      • RenĂ©ville
        • RenĂ©ville Mine (DjouĂ© Mines)
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 405
    • Mindouli District
      • Mindouli
        • Pimbi hill
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 406
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