All About Dioptase – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth

What is Dioptase?

Dioptase is a hydrous copper silicate mineral that forms as very brightly colored hexagonal crystals.  Dioptase is very fragile and if not handled carefully, the crystals can crumble or break easily.  Being an uncommon mineral, larger crystals of Dioptase are rare and highly sought after by collectors…

Dioptase will typically be found in desert regions of the world where copper sulfide minerals are available and oxidation happens.  This crystallization has some complexity though as the oxidation of sulfides will not typically result in the formation of crystals but instead generate fluids high in sulfuric acid which would inhibit crystallization.

However, due to dryer desert climates and with the presence of carbonates, smaller amounts of the available silica will be allowed to react with dissolved copper to form dioptase.

The notable places where much larger crystals have been found is Altyn-Tyube, Kazakhstan and Tsumeb, Namibia.  Tsumeb dioptase is considered to be some of the most sought after crystals as they carry more transparency, color, and the occurrence of more isolated larger crystals.

What is the color of Dioptase?

The color of dioptase is a dark teal or even emerald green.  Dioptase has been confused in the past as emeralds due to its color and many unknowingly today can make the same visual mistake. The color of dioptase is considered to be very intense due to its transparency and translucence…

Naturally occurring dioptase can often times have much better eye appeal as a standalone gemmy green specimen than naturally occurring emeralds.  The transparency and cleavage directions of dioptase allows for the perfect combination for that lustrous intense green color to come forth. 

Dioptase is one of those minerals that can often be confused with emerald. Both look very similar to each other in regards to color, fracture, and luster. Some good differences to note between the two is the streak and hardness on the Mohs scale of hardness.  

What is Dioptase used for?

Dioptase is most commonly used for a strikingly visual specimen for rock and mineral collectors.  Though dioptase is fragile, collectors will use dioptase on occasion as jewelry though careful consideration needs to be taken for wearing, cleaning, and storing this mineral…

Many specimens of dioptase do not have very large crystals and they can be cut out into cabochons, polished, and worn in necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry.

Some people believe that dioptase can have healing abilities.   These believed abilities can include the restoration of spiritual alignment, helping in recollection of past memories, and promoting prosperity.  

What is Dioptase worth?

Since dioptase is not commonly available and getting larger crystal specimens are even rarer, the worth of dioptase will be moderate in cost.  The worth and value of dioptase will increase for specimens with more crystals and larger crystals…

Since dioptase is typically sold as a beautiful eye catching specimen you can expect a nice palm sized specimen with moderate sized crystals to run you upwards of $100 USD.  If that palm sized specimen has a larger cluster of crystals on it, those crystals could be much smaller, you can expect that price to jump to $300 USD due to the increased amount of crystals available in the specimen.  

One thing noted in pricing dioptase, is that some specimens don’t have the nice transparent gemmy look in the crystals, and those ones tended to be cheaper.   Additionally, a single loose crystal of dioptase can be affordable as well for those with smaller budgets who want to acquire a specimen.