Dioptase, Chrysocolla, and Malachite - D.R. Congo

This is a combination of minerals that can not be passed up! Here we have a perfect example of dioptase crystals coated in a thin growth layer of chrysocolla and malachite. Those who collect primarily copper-based minerals may not even have specimens like this n their collection. This is a unique piece that will take your collection to the next level. Size: 1.88 x 1.56 x 0.68 in. Weight: 0.55 oz Dioptase is a fragile, copper-based mineral that has been used for almost 9000 years. It got its name from the greek words "dia", meaning doubling, and "optos", meaning visible in the late 1700s. This discovery first occurred in Kazakhstan where they believed they had found emeralds until further analysis took place. This mineral is often cut and used in jewelry in addition to being ground into pigments. Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral that can often be found in botryoidal, fibrous, or stalactite formations. Its name is derived from the Greek words "molochites lithos", meaning mallow-