Dioptase


Dioptase – International Crystals Encyclopedia https://www.gemzworld.com/

 

 
 
Originthe place or situation from which something comes, the beginning of something’s existence, the point from which it starts out, the thing from which it is ultimately derived.
Dioptase is a relatively uncommon copper cyclosilicate that forms as a secondary mineral within copper sulfide mineral deposits that occur with an oxidized zone.

 

It is uncommon as it only occurs in dry climates where acids are buffered by carbonate and, over time, tiny, minute particles of silica reacts with dissolved copper to form the crystal.

 

All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are 7 systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Dioptase crystals belong to the Trigonal system.

 

 
Historythe past considered as a whole, the whole series of past events connected with someone or sometihing, a continuous typically chronological record of importance.
Dioptase has a documentated history that stretches back to around 7200 BC. This is known due to the discovery at Ain Ghazal of three pre-neolithic B lime plaster statues known as Noah, Heifa and Micah. The statues’ eyes were highlighted at the edges with the green Dioptase.

 

Khazakstan deposits were discovered in the late 18th Century in copper mines that contained veins of emerald green, transparent crystals. It was orignally thought to be emeralds but on analysis it was determined that it was too soft.

 

The crystal was eventually named by the French mineralogist, Fr Rene Just Hauy, after the Greek terms dia and optos. These terms mean through and visible and refer to the duo of cleavage directions that can be seen in unbroken types of Dioptase.

 

 
Specificationthe act of describing or identifying something precisely, a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Dioptase has a cleavage that is perfect in three directions. It is transparent to transluscent with a vitreous luster. The stone has a conchoidal fracture and is very brittle with a mid hardness on the Mohs scale of 5.

 

The stone is popular with collectors and is sometimes used to create small gems that are emerald like in appearance. It is not used extensively in jewellery due to its brittleness and fragility. It can also be ground into a pigment for painting.

 

 

 
Varietiesa number or range of things of the same general class that are different or distinct in character or quality.
Dioptase is a unique stone that is likened to an emerald due to its colour and is also associated with the Chrysocolla crystal.

 

 

 

 
Esoteric Attributesa quality or feature as characteristic of or possed by something.
Crystals by their very nature are able to receive and focus energy in different ways. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy and hence crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.

 

Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrtional frequencies that can be harnesed and used for specific purposes. Each therefore have specific qualities that can be used to help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.

 

The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Dioptase crystals.

 

Mental: Dioptase is a creative stone that opens up unlimited ideas for creativity. It unleashes the hidden potential of a person.
 
Emotional: Dioptase brings on intensive dreams and hidden depths of feelings and emotion. It is an aid to projecting self-perception and outward perception in the right way.
 
Physical: Dioptase is an aid to the alleviation of cramps and pains. The stone is also used to fortify the liver.
 

 

Crystal Chart – Dioptase

 

Crystal: Dioptase
Mineralogy: Hydrous Copper Ring Silicate
Geometric form: Trigonal
Formation: Secondary
Family: Silicate
Birthstone: Dioptase is associated with the Astrological signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Apperance: Vitreous luster with a conchoidal fracture. Dioptase has a three direction, perfect cleavage and is transluscent to transparent with a brittle, fragile tenacity.
Aura: Dioptase brings balance to the Aura providing enhancement to the meditative state and smoothing the channels for the energy flow within.
Colour: Dioptase appears with a vibrant green colour, similar to that of the emerald..
Chakra: Dioptase is associated with the Heart Chakra. It is used to clear and enhance all the Chakras to a higher awareness level.

 

 

 

International Crystals – References and resources:

 

Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014

World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php

New Oxford American Dictionary

 

 

 

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