DigMyGem Gem encyclopedia

Diopside

Other Silicates & Gemstones

Diopside is a calcium-magnesium member of the pyroxene group. It forms monoclinic crystals and is commonly pale to dark green, though colorless, blue, brown, and violet material also occurs; chromium produces the saturated green gem variety known as chrome diopside.

Identity

Material or variety
Diopside
Scientific or material identity
Diopside
Classification
Natural mineral or mineral variety
Composition or formula
CaMgSi₂O₆
Crystal system or structure
Monoclinic
Geological or manufacturing origin
Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness
5 to 6

Origins

Italy · Myanmar · Russia · USA

Appearance & optical properties

transparent deep green diopside.

History & discovery

Brazilian naturalist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva described diopside around 1800 among minerals he studied in Scandinavia. René Just Haüy formed its present name in 1806 from Greek words for “twice” and “appearance,” referring to two possible orientations of the crystal's prism zone.

Uses & care

Common uses
Transparent material is faceted as a gemstone, and black material may be cut to show a star. Geologists also use chromian diopside grains as indicators when exploring for kimberlite and diamond deposits.
Handling and cleaning
Diopside is brittle and softer than quartz, with two good cleavage directions. Keep it away from harder jewelry, protect it from knocks, and clean gently with mild soapy water.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Diopside jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

  • Silhouette of Chrome Diopside Ring

    Chrome Diopside Ring

    Ring

    A bright emerald-green chrome diopside in a four-claw gold setting, vivid as new leaves.

  • Silhouette of Forest Drop Earrings

    Forest Drop Earrings

    Earrings

    A pair of cushion-cut deep green diopsides swinging from simple gold posts.

  • Silhouette of Verdant Pendant

    Verdant Pendant

    Pendant

    An oval chrome diopside of intense green hung from a rose-gold chain.

  • Silhouette of Siberian Forest Bracelet

    Siberian Forest Bracelet

    Bracelet

    An imagined line bracelet of chrome diopside, the deep green stone from Siberia, set stone after stone in gold.

  • Silhouette of Taiga Leaf Necklace

    Taiga Leaf Necklace

    Necklace

    An imagined gold necklace of leaves set with chrome diopside, the deep green stone of the Siberian forest.

Sources