Dioptase

Dioptase occurs in copper mines and natural copper deposits, where the large quantities of copper ore in the ground become trapped in the silicate matrix of the crystal (which is essentially a form of quartz).

The first deposits of dioptase found in the modern world were discovered in Kazakhstan in the eighteenth century.

They are fairly fragile stones, and should be handled delicately to prevent splitting.

This only reason why they have not flooded the market – their colour makes them seem very similar to emeralds, and if they were a little hardier, they would make wonderful replacements.

Approx Size: 2 x 2.5 inch