16.33: Dioptase
- Page ID
- 4717
Dioptase | |
---|---|
Chemical composition | CuSiO3H2O |
Crystal system | Trigonal |
Habit | Prismatic |
Cleavage | Perfect, rhombohedral |
Fracture | Conchoidal to uneven |
Hardness | 5 |
Optic nature | Uniaxial + |
Refractive index | 1.644 - 1.709 |
Birefringence | 0.053 |
Dispersion | Medium, 0.030 |
Specific gravity | 3.28 - 3.35 |
Lustre | Vitreous |
Pleochroism | Weak |
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Faceted Dioptase
Photo courtesy of The Gem Trader