The dioptase necklace is a jewel with a strikingly intense green hue nestled at the hollow of the neck. This deep, saturated emerald green has a vibrancy that rivals the most beautiful emeralds and fooled the first Russian explorers who discovered it in the Kazakh steppes in the 18th century. They believed they had found an emerald deposit, and when the mineralogist identified a new mineral, the disappointment quickly turned into fascination for this stone with its incomparable green. The name dioptase comes from the Greek *dia* (through) and *optazein* (to see), as cleavage planes can be seen through the transparent crystal. Worn as a necklace, dioptase naturally sits at the heart chakra, precisely where it works best.
In lithotherapy, the dioptase necklace is renowned for its properties of deep heart healing, release from attachments, and true forgiveness. It is a stone that seeks out the most stubborn wounds, those that one cannot let go of despite the years, and helps release them with a green intensity that does not negotiate. Around the neck, it works continuously on the heart chakra with a power few green stones achieve. It is recommended for people who remain prisoners of a past relationship, unresolved grief, or a grudge that poisons the present. It is also a stone of presence and mindfulness, helping one live in the moment instead of ruminating on the past. Dioptase pairs beautifully with rose quartz (gentleness to accompany intensity), malachite (deep transformation), or rock crystal (amplification). For care, be careful: dioptase is soft with a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale and perfect cleavage. No salt, no chemicals, no shocks. Clean your necklace with a soft, slightly damp cloth and recharge it in moonlight.
