Dioptase with Quartz/Calcite from Mindouli, DCR

Dioptase with Quartz/Calcite from Mindouli, DCR Dioptase from the Congo is known for its vivid emerald-green to bluish-green color and its formation in well-defined, prismatic crystals, often found in clusters from Leura Jewels. It is a transparent to translucent mineral with a vitreous luster. While it has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively delicate, it is highly sought after for its beauty and is often used for decorative purposes and in metaphysical practices. Physical Properties: Color: Intense emerald-green to bluish-green. Crystal Structure: Typically forms prismatic six-sided crystals with rhombohedral terminations, but can also appear in drusy or granular clusters. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and prone to scratching. Cleavage: Perfect in three directions. Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like). Specific Gravity: 3.28-3.35.