TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Dioptasa

Dioptasa is a mineral with formula CuSiO₃·H₂O, in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Mina Cobra, Pampa Nazca, Ica, Congo and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Dioptasa from Mina Cobra, Pampa Nazca, Ica, Congo — Terrium

Description

Dioptase in a small fracture from where the Nazca Lines are

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0583
Internal reference
X0279
Composition
CuSiO₃·H₂O
Name
Dioptasa
Group
Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
Matrix
Gneiss
Mine
Mina Cobra
District / Municipality
Pampa Nazca
Province
Ica
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

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