When he first saw this translucent stone with a delicate green tint, an inexperienced person will decide that he is facing a natural emerald. But this is a fallacy. In fact, it is a copper emerald, very similar in appearance to natural stone, but having a different chemical composition and properties. Dioptase (achirite, ashyrite) is a rare mineral that belongs to the group of copper silicates.
For its characteristic dense dark green color, he received one of his names. It is more fragile than a gemstone, it is less hard, therefore it is not used very often in jewelry.
Some historical facts
In the second half of the 18th century, the merchant Ashir Zaripov discovered these stones in the mountains of Kazakhstan. He was sure that he became the owner of real emeralds. The merchant sold them to an English officer, who at that time served in the Russian army. Several copies were brought to St. Petersburg. Here, the find was named after the merchant - the stone of ashirite (asharit). Only eight years later, T. Lovits, a Russian scientist, having carefully studied the mineral, found out that the find is not emerald, but copper silicate. Since then, it has become known as the "pseudo-emerald."
The famous mineralogist from France R. Gayui gave the mineral its scientific name - dioptase, which consists of two Greek words. They can be translated as “observing through, ” which characterize the translucency of the stone. Due to its resemblance to a precious emerald, the mineral is used to make its high-quality imitations.
During the reign of Catherine II, dioptase stone was very popular at court. Exquisite jewelry with inserts of raw crystals could boast of any noble lady.
Description of Copper Emerald
Although scientists consider the mineral to be just a fake of a precious emerald, many stone lovers find it incredibly beautiful. The exquisite color - from delicately emerald to dense dark green - is fascinating. There are even minerals that have a blue tint. Dioptase stone is composed of silica and copper oxide. Its crystals easily crumble and break. In a crushed form, they have long been used by icon painters as a green pigment.
The characteristics of copper emerald are markedly different from gemstones. Its density is lower. The edge of the crystal at the break is conchoidal, stepwise uneven. However, ashirite is a valuable and rare mineral. Dioptase has a pronounced glass luster. On planes, this shine can be pearlescent.
Structure
Despite the striking external similarity of ashirite with emerald, they are different in composition. The first relates to aqueous copper silicate. It consists of 11% water, approximately 38% silicon dioxide and 51% copper oxide. Sometimes the mineral contains an admixture of iron (about 1%).
Place of Birth
Copper emerald as an accompanying breed is not mined, it stands out only in the form of a pure crystal. It is often replaced in chrysocolla deposits and is usually located next to limonite, malachite, calcite or azurite.
The largest mineral deposits are in Eurasia, North and South America, in Africa. In Europe, ashirite deposits are located in Italy. In Africa, the mineral is found in the Congo, Namibia, and Zaire. Here he is very much appreciated. The copper emerald is awarded the status of a national symbol.
Areas of use
In jewelry, dioptase is not too widely used, although jewelry from it is very beautiful. The size of the crystals rarely exceeds two centimeters, so they are used for the manufacture of only small products. Minerals of not more than two carats are processed using emerald cut. Ashirite mineral pigment is used to write icons in our days.
Natural healer
The powerful energy of copper emerald has found application in lithotherapy. When heated, the mineral helps to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, heart and blood vessels, relieves irritability, and soothes the nervous system. Adherents of this method of treatment believe that dioptase sessions are indicated for pregnant women, patients who have had a heart attack and stroke. A pendant, brooch or amulet with a copper emerald is recommended to be worn at the chest level for anyone who suffers from pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
Dioptase improves the condition for diseases of the respiratory tract, including diseases affecting the trachea, throat and bronchi. In such a situation, an amulet with this mineral is preferably worn around the neck.
Traditional healers use ashirite powder to treat long healing wounds. When a brooch or pendant is pinned to clothing, it helps to make breathing easier in people with asthma. The healing properties of this mineral are able to remove overexcitation and bring a person out of depression. To do this, you need to have a small crystal of a green doctor with you.
Stone magic
For a long time, green has been considered a symbol of financial well-being and prosperity. Matters related to financial flows require prudence and calm from each person. And here you can not do without the magic of copper emerald. It is these qualities that the mineral brings to the life of its owner.
Perhaps you have met women who constantly wear jewelry made of copper emerald: over time, they look especially impressive and attractive. Men with this stone are distinguished by decisiveness in business and confidence in their abilities. However, the mineral does not contribute to the creation of families.
According to magicians, a person who owns a stone for a long time has a close relationship with the mineral. It is as if the copper emerald teaches its owner to read and understand the thoughts of the people around him, and warns against hasty and rash actions. A stone cleanses karma, teaches people to feel and sympathize with someone else's pain, and not only physical.
