Dioptase is a beautifully colored mineral, highly desired by collectors for its intense deep-green color and its vitreous to adamantine luster. Transparent crystals are occasionally used in the gem/jewelry trade. Quality specimens from classic localities can be quite expensive. This striking mineral is fairly uncommon, found mostly in desert regions where it forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of various Copper deposits. It is often associated with Calcite, Quartz, Malachite, Chrysocolla, Duftite and Wulfenite to name a few.

The crystal system for Dioptase is trigonal, often prismatic to rhombohedral and typically doubly terminated, usually in dense aggregates of interconnected crystals. Other forms include druzy, radiating, botryoidal, grainy, encrusting and massive.

Dioptase is found in limited locations, including Argentina,DR Congo, Kazakhstan, Namibia and the USA (Arizona).