Dioptase RD COngo

Dioptase from Democratic Republic of Congo year 1980 old collection.

Dioptase belongs to the class of silicates and has the chemical formula Cu6Si6O18 - 6H2O (Copper, Silicon, Oxygen, Hydrogen).

It has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.28 to 3.35.

Stone dimensions: L: 55mm x W: 35mm x H: 50mm.

Weight with base: 178g.

A little background information ...

When the first deposits of dioptase were found, its intense green crystals were initially mistaken for emeralds. It was only after more detailed study that scientists realised it was a new copper-bearing mineral, distinct from emerald.