Pierre dioptase – properties, virtues & benefits
Dioptase stone is an emerald-green gemstone known for its healing and sPiritual growth properties. It is often used in lithotherapy to stimulate the heart chakra and promote emotional communication. Discover the properties and uses of this unique gemstone.
DIOPTASE CHARACTERISTICS
- Chakra: Heart chakra.
- Properties: Healing, SPiritual growth, Emotional communication, Lithotherapy.
- Astrology: Venus.
- Zodiac: Sagittarius.
- Elements: Copper, Silicon, Oxygen.
- Colors: Emerald green.
- Hardness: 5 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Formula: CuSiO2(OH)2.
- Associated god: None.
PIERRE DIOPTASE – HIS HISTORY
The first specimens of dioptase were imported to the West from the Kyrgyz steppes, and its first study was carried out in the late 18th century on samples from mines in Kazakhstan. Moritz Rudolph Ferber, a German mineralogist, was the first to study the mineral closely, but he misdescribed it as an emerald stone due to its emerald-green color. In 1797, French mineralogist René Just Haüy studied its chemical composition and realized it was a distinct mineral, which he named dioptase, from the Greek “dia” meaning “through” and “optazo” meaning “I see”, referring to the fact that cleavage planes can be seen through crystals.
Originally, dioptase stone was of the feminine gender, then it was called dioptase copper, and now it is called dioptase masculine or feminine. The Société française de minéralogie et de cristallographie and the Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic database recognize both genders. Once called “copper emerald”, it was considered a stone of abundance and wealth. Since ancient times, it has been confused with emerald because of its color, and was even called “medicinal emerald” because of its fungicidal properties. It was also reputed to have an energizing effect on cardiac energy and to bring joy and well-being by resolving certain problems. Although much sought-after by collectors the world over, it is rarely used in the jewelry sector due to its low hardness, although faceted elements are sometimes used for collecting. In lithotherapy, its many virtues are used in high-quality products. Dioptase crystals are generally shaped like elongated rhombohedrons with vertically striated lines.
DIOPTASE STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION
Dioptase is a mineral belonging to the silicate family and featuring a rhombohedral crystal system. This mineral has a chemical characteristic composed of hydrated copper silicate. The crystals are shaped like transparent or translucent prisms, with a vitreous luster and a green line. Color ranges from emerald green to deep blue-green, and size depends on provenance, notably Tsumeb in Namibia or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dioptase is rare and usually found in terrains comprising oxidation zones of copper deposits, often associated with other minerals such as chrysocolla, quartz or wulfenite.
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The best quality deposits are located in Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where exceptionally fine, large crystals overlie geodes in chrysocolla. Namibia also supplies superb specimens, notably at Tsumeb and Kaokoland. Photos of these stones are on display in the Tsumeb and Renéville galleries. The largest known specimens are over fifteen centimetres long and come from Angola. Beautiful stones can also be seen in Kazakhstan and in several mines in the Arizona region, such as the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine ground, where it is sometimes associated with wulfenite.
DIOPTASE STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES
PSYCHOLOGICAL DIOPTASE
Dioptase stone has many virtues for mental well-being. First of all, it is a powerful green stone that supports the heart and accompanies people suffering from past trauma or physical or mental abuse suffered in their lives by healing their inner child. It is also very important on a sPiritual level, enabling people who have difficulty letting go of their past life to move on, and those who have become victims of a difficult situation to forget their suffering and move forward on the path to healing. It helps to see one’s own inner beauty and to develop self-love. Placed on the heart, solar plexus and sacral chakras, it helps to unblock emotional blockages.
In addition, this stone is a powerful ally for awakening compassion and relieving emotional pain. It stimulates forgiveness and dispels anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety and mistrust, just like sapphire. It purifies the mind and helps to turn towards others, to really listen to others and to have lasting friendships. As far as love is concerned, it enables people hardened and wearied by failed love affairs to rediscover a new sensitivity and momentum, by working on the heart chakra. It gives rise to hope and deep feelings. Finally, it is known to attract abundance and prosperity.
PHYSICAL DIOPTASE
Dioptase stone also has virtues on the physical level. It balances, detoxifies and stimulates the immune system. In combination with hematite or amethyst, it helps relieve headaches and, like sapphire, can help reduce blood pressure. It also improves eyesight when placed on the third eye chakra. In case of intoxication, it can be useful when placed on the sacral chakra. It also has excellent fungicidal properties when used as an elixir on the affected area. It also has curative properties in the event of intoxication and can be an effective painkiller to relieve joint pain. It stimulates the liver’s regenerative and detoxifying powers, relieves nausea and cramps, and helps manage stress and combat addictions.
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This stone harmonizes the heart, third eye and sacral chakras.
To benefit from all its virtues, it’s important to regularly purify this stone. It must retain its energy to be effective and preserve its crystalline network. However, it can also Pick up and store information from outside, such as our own emotions and thoughts, as well as negative environmental influences, which can pollute it. There are many purification techniques, but ancestral methods are the most reliable because they are universal. Thus, to purify this stone, it is recommended to cleanse it in water or with incense, or to place it in an amethyst geode.
DIOPTASE STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE
As with all stones and crystals, regular cleansing and recharging of dioptase stone is recommended to maintain its energy and beneficial properties. Here are some common methods for cleansing and recharging dioptase stone:
Cleaning:
- Place the stone in a bowl of salt water for several hours (not suitable for parts containing metal).
- Place the stone under cold running water for a few minutes.
- Bury the stone in the ground for several hours or overnight.
Loading:
- Place the stone in the sun for several hours (be careful not to leave it in the sun for too long, as this can alter its color).
- Place the stone on a cluster of crystals such as quartz or amethyst for several hours.
- Visualize positive energy entering the stone while holding it in your hand.
It’s important to note that dioptase is a relatively fragile stone and can be damaged by certain cleaning and reloading methods. It is therefore best to always use gentle and cautious methods to care for this precious stone.
WHERE DOES THE NAME DIOPTASE COME FROM?
The name “dioptase” comes from the Greek “dioptron”, meaning “sight through” or “binoculars”, referring to the stone’s ability to have crystals so transparent that you can see through them. Dioptron was first discovered in 1797 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, but has also been found in other parts of the world, including Chile, Namibia, Congo and the USA. Dioptase is a relatively rare gemstone, highly prized for its distinctive emerald green color and healing properties.
WHICH CHAKRA DOES DIOPTASE ACT ON?
Dioptase acts primarily on the heart chakra, which is located in the center of the chest. This chakra is associated with love, compassion, emotional healing and harmony in relationships. Dioptase is often used in lithotherapy to stimulate and balance the heart chakra, help release emotional blockages and promote emotional communication. By working on the heart chakra, dioptase can help cultivate greater openness, tolerance and empathy towards oneself and others.
WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH DIOPTASE?
The astrological sign associated with dioptase is Sagittarius. Sagittarius is a zodiac sign known for its adventurous, optimistic and generous nature. Dioptase can help Sagittarians connect to their heart and intuition, foster sPiritual growth and develop greater compassion for themselves and others. The stone can also help overcome fears and doubts, and encourage Sagittarians to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
SUMMARY OF THE DIOPTASE STONE
Dioptase is an emerald-green gemstone known for its healing and sPiritual growth properties. It acts primarily on the heart chakra, promoting emotional communication and helPing to release emotional blockages. It is associated with the astrological sign Sagittarius and contains copper, silicon and oxygen in its chemical formula. To care for this fragile stone, we recommend cleaning and recharging it regularly, using gentle, cautious methods.