Dioptase

Formula:  CuSiO2(OH)2

Origin of name:   From Greek for to see and through

 

Crystal system:   Hexagonal

Crystal class:   -3

Twinning:

Unit cell: a = 14.57 Å, c = 7.78 Å

 

Colour:   Emerald green to deep bluish green, turquoise-blue

Diaphaneity:

Luster:   Vitreous, somewhat greasy on cleavage

Habit:   Crystals short to long prismatic; massive; crystalline aggregates

Hardness:   5

Specific gravity:   3.28 to 3.35

Cleavage:   1; {10-11} perfect

Tenacity:   Brittle

Streak:   Pale greenish blue

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments:

 

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