Dioptase

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Dioptase, aka Emerald Copper, is a beautiful mineral in large part due to its magnificently intense green colour, but also its glassy lustre and well-defined crystal form. American Dioptase in no way compares with the likes of specimens from the Type Locality, or those from Africa in the size of individual crystals, but important display specimens have been found, particularly at Morenci mine, where richly crystallized specimens on massive Chrysocolla were found in the 1980s from the northwest extension. This cabinet-sized display specimen from Morenci shows the classic association of murky green Chrysocolla matrix upon which a dense crust of small (1 to 2 mm) deep emerald-green glassy Dioptase crystals has developed. In comparison to other world occurrences the Dioptase crystals are much more elongated, and although small are very well formed. A very fine American Dioptase.