Dioptase: description, properties and care

Among rare natural minerals, dioptase is considered the most beautiful. This unique stone is known not only for a luxurious combination of blue-green hue, which resembles the color of the sea depth. It is also valued for its magical properties to attract good fortune and the material well-being of its owner. In the form of fine powder, it is used to decorate the salary of icons, paintings, expensive interior items.

For centuries, the beautiful stone was called copper emerald, appreciated by the representatives of Persia and China. Small crystals rarely exceed 2–3 cm; they contain impurities of copper and silicon. At 1/10 the mineral consists of water molecules; therefore, it is fragile in structure, easily broken by fingers when squeezed, and possesses transparency.

At the end of the 18th century, dioptases began to be mined in the territory of modern Kazakhstan at the foot of the Altyn-Tyube mountain. The enterprising merchant Ashir Zaripov sold him to Russian officers like a real emerald.

More detailed studies of the structure and physical properties were carried out by renowned French scientists R. Hauy. He gave the stone the name "dioptase", which can be literally translated from Greek as "looking through". The chemist classified it as a water silicate of copper, combining aluminum aluminum silicate, iron and silicon.

Among the physical properties of dioptase should be noted:

• the transition shade from dark green to emerald blue;
• almost complete transparency;
• Mohs hardness - 5 points;
• easily soluble in hydrogen chloride;
• in nature has a beautiful hexagon shape.

When cut, it often crumbles, breaks and does not withstand the effects of the jeweler's tools. Rings and earrings with small crystals are popular among lovers of delicate jewelry, sometimes exceeding the price of more refined precious items with pearls or natural emerald. Dioptase is often used in the form of powder: expensive decoration items, exclusive outfits are issued to them, and they are also included in the collections of precious stones.

In nature, deposits and areas of copper emerald mining are found in Arizona, USA, the desert of Chile and Atacama, Namibia. On the territory of the former USSR, small mines are being developed in the Far East and the Urals. It is among the export wealth of the Republic of Zaire, has the status of a national treasure. The cost of a small 2 carat stone after the simplest cut can reach 800-1000 dollars.

The most famous magical property of a turquoise crystal is help in solving intricate issues related to money and wealth. He is a mascot of people who are engaged in finance, business, start their own business or work as consultants. It is believed that the product with dioptase gives new qualities and properties to the character:

• increases the ability to work in difficult moments;
• helps to avoid emotional overstrain;
• promotes accelerated advancement on the career ladder;
• gives confidence in solving complex problems and negotiating;
• helps to recognize the deception and lies of friends, partners, relatives.

Some owners say that the stone directs their thoughts in the right direction, helping to focus on the problem.Stone decoration is presented as a gift to people who are engaged in scientific projects and developments to give them wisdom and prudence. Parents prefer to give dioptaz to adolescents who enroll in an educational institution, are preparing for certification, or have difficulty learning. He is considered a lucky stone, helping to draw out the necessary ticket or to get an excellent mark on passing the crucial work. Sometimes its owners get good grades with minimal training and knowledge.

It does not help save the marriage or get a decent couple, but contributes to a sound assessment of the relationship. It favors the reconciliation of partners after a long quarrel, giving peace and prudence, does not allow emotions to defeat the mind. But when you try to deceive your spouse, the situation often develops violently and unpredictably. In eastern countries, jewelry with a copper emerald is sometimes presented as a wedding gift to the newlyweds. This is a kind of wish for wealth and financial stability for a young family. In China, he is called the "heart healer" for his ability to alleviate the pain of losing a loved one.

Adherents of treatment with stones and crystals consider dioptase endowed with unique energy. It restores a person’s vitality after a serious illness or complex surgery, gives strength and helps to complete the course of therapy. In the East, stone is among the healing talismans, which are usually worn in the form of a necklace or pendant. Among the known medicinal qualities are the following properties:

• fast recovery after a stroke;
• improved immune defenses;
• reducing the number of colds;
• upper respiratory tract protection;
• help with chronic bronchitis or asthma.

In many diseases, the stone should be worn around the neck - this protects the respiratory organs and makes the treatment of pneumonia more effective. Healers apply it to open wounds, claiming that it helps relieve pain and inflammation, eliminates suppuration and gangrene. But most healers value dioptases for their ability to relieve nervousness and overexcitement. When worn, it reduces anxiety, which often interferes with the healing process and recovery.

In eastern countries, the blue-green mineral is necessarily worn by women in a delicate position. It is believed that it helps to carry the child easily and without health problems, improves the health of the pregnant.

The stone with iridescent green and blue is ideal for people born under the constellation Scorpio and Sagittarius. Astrologers recommend constantly carrying around a piece of jewelry or a piece of mineral. It will help to concentrate the energy of a person into a useful course, reduce irritability and impulsiveness of the mark. It is a good talisman in trading and financial affairs.

Dioptase can be worn to almost all signs of the zodiac. But he will serve only an honest and kind person who sets himself lofty goals, has moral purity. He will not bring good luck if the owner participates in an adventure or deceives others.

The next video is about stone dioptase.