Dioptase is popular because of its beautiful emerald green color, high clarity, and nicely formed crystals. Excellent specimens of dioptase are among the most beautiful minerals on Earth and are of extremely high value- they are nearly as prized as other valuable non-gem minerals like legrandite, rhodochrosite, and azurite. Dioptase specimens, thpough very expensive make solid centerpieces to a mineral cabinet. They are one of the first minerals that people will notice in a display because they practically scream at viewers with glimmering, glittering, green crystals piled up on matrix.
Dioptase specimens can be found in nature at collecting sites too but usually only as micros, unless you get lucky. Even tiny specimens of dioptase are fun to look at! If you discover dioptase at a new locality, remember to report it because it is quite a rare mineral and many scientists would be overjoyed at the new discovery. Be sure to look for the correct signs- the presence of rich blue green copper staining, an abundance of calcite as crystals or coatings, and a limestone or other carbonate rock hosted deposit.
The majority of dioptase localities on Earth no longer produce specimens because they are active mines that have been flooded or filled or they have been depleted. There hasn’t been a substantially large find of dioptase in quite a few years. This is reason why dioptase specimens continue to increase in value. If someone doesn’t make a find soon, available specimens on the market will near nonexistence. Therefore, the best time to buy a dioptase specimen is now. If you are an investment collector, dioptase is a species with a well established standardized value that is steadily increasing and should therefore be featured strongly in your collection alongside other species like elbaite tourmalines, azurite, legrandite, rhodochrosite, and aquamarine. If dioptase was appropriate for use as a cut stone in jewelry, it would likely be a highly precious gem rivaling ruby, sapphire, or emerald in demand.
