Dioptase: description, properties and care

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

For many centuries, the beautiful stone was called a copper emerald and was appreciated by representatives of Persia and China. Small crystals rarely exceed 2–3 cm and contain copper and silicon impurities. At 1/10 the mineral consists of water molecules, therefore, it is characterized by the fragility of the structure, easily breaks with fingers when squeezed, and has transparency.

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

More detailed studies of the structure and physical properties were carried out by the famous scientist from France R. Gayuy. He gave the stone the name "dioptase", which literally can be translated from Greek as "looking through". The chemist classified it as a hydrous copper silicate, combining aluminum aluminosilicate, iron and silicon.

Among the physical properties of dioptase, it should be noted:

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

When cutting, it often crumbles, breaks and does not withstand the effects of the jeweler's tools. Rings and earrings with small crystals are popular with lovers of delicate jewelry, sometimes outperforming more sophisticated pearls or natural emeralds. Dioptase is often used in the form of a powder: expensive decor items, exclusive outfits are made with it, and they are also included in the collection of precious stones.

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

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

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

Some owners say that the stone directs their thoughts in the right direction, helps them focus on the problem. Jewelry with a stone is donated to people who are engaged in scientific projects and developments to give them wisdom and prudence. Parents prefer to present dioptase to adolescents who enter an educational institution, are preparing for certification, or have difficulties in school. He is considered a stone of luck, helping to draw out a necessary ticket or get an excellent grade when passing a crucial job. Sometimes its owners get good grades with minimal training and knowledge.

It does not help to maintain a marriage or acquire a worthy couple, but it does contribute to a healthy assessment of the relationship. It favors the reconciliation of partners after a long quarrel, giving calmness and prudence, does not allow emotions to conquer reason. But when trying to deceive a spouse, the situation often develops rapidly and unpredictably. In eastern countries, jewelry with a copper emerald is sometimes presented as a wedding gift to newlyweds. This is a kind of wish for wealth and financial stability for a young family. In China, he is called the "healer of the heart" for his ability to alleviate the pain of the loss of a loved one.

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

• quick recovery from a stroke;
• improving immune defenses;
• reduction in the number of colds;
• protection of the upper respiratory tract;
• help with chronic bronchitis or asthma.

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

In eastern countries, the blue-green mineral is necessarily worn by women in a delicate position. It is believed that this helps to bear the baby easily and without health problems, improves the well-being of the pregnant woman.

The stone with tints of green and blue is ideal for people born under the constellations of Scorpio and Sagittarius. Astrologers recommend that you always carry a piece of jewelry or a piece of mineral with you. It will help concentrate a person's energy in a useful direction, reduce irritability and impulsiveness of the sign. It is a good talisman for trading and financial affairs.

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

In the next video - about the dioptase stone.