Dioptasa
Dioptasa is a mineral with formula CuSiO₃·H₂O, in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Mina Tantara, Shinkolobwe, Katanga, Congo and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
A single well-defined dioptase crystal of intense emerald-green color, set on a dolomite matrix with visible microcrystals. Great luster and a sharp prismatic form.
History of this specimen
Small piece but of great optical quality. The contrast between the deep green crystal and the light matrix enhances its presence.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0540
- Internal reference
- X0108
- Composition
- CuSiO₃·H₂O
- Name
- Dioptasa
- Group
- Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
- Matrix
- Dolomita
- Mine
- Mina Tantara
- District / Municipality
- Shinkolobwe
- Province
- Katanga
- Country
- Congo
- Size (cm)
- 4 x 3 x 2
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek 'dia' (διά), 'through', and 'optos' (ὀπτός), 'visible'. It was named this way because, according to René Just Haüy, the internal cleavage planes could be seen simply by looking through the crystals.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — China
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Pakistán
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Namibia
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Myanmar
- Cordierita — España
- Dioptasa — Congo
- Dioptasa — Congo
- Dioptasa — Namibia