Dioptase/Chrysocolla
A microcosm of deep green Dioptase crystal clusters in a sea of botryoidal rough Chrysocolla. The color contrast is beautiful and overall the piece has fascinating structure.
Measurements: ~3-1/2" long x 1-3/4" tall x 1" wide
Location: D.R.O.C, Africa
Dioptase crystals are emerald green and translucent. The mineral got its name from the Greek words for "to see" and "through" because of the ability to see internal cleavage planes of the small crystals. The mineral forms in rhombohedral crystals (usually less than 1cm in size) with a chemical composition of CuSiO3 (H2O).
Theophrastus, the successor to Aristotle in ancient Greece was the first to use the Greek word Crysos " meaning gold" and kolla " meaning glue" as he discovered the mineral could be used to solder gold. Chrysocolla is of secondary origin and is found where copper ore oxidizes. It commonly forms in botryoidal masses and on occasion, due to its similarity in appearance, can be confused with Turquoise.