Dioptase Mineral Collection - Height: 1.5 cm - Width: 2.3 cm- 5 g - (1)

Dioptase is a mineral belonging to the subclass of cyclosilicates. It was discovered by the German Rudolph Farber, toward the end of the eighteenth century, who erroneously defined it as a variety of emerald. Typically found in arid environments, Dioptase forms as a secondary mineral within the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits. Its genesis requires a delicate balance: while the oxidation of sulfides acidifies solutions, hindering silica solubility, dry climates and carbonate buffering allow trace silica to react with dissolved copper. This reaction favors the formation of Dioptase together with chrysocolla.