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Chemical Formula: CaMgSi2 O6
Hardness: 6
Color: Blue, Brown, Colorless, Green, Gray
Specific Gravity: 3.3 - 3.6
Diopside is a calcium magnesium silicate mineral of
the pyroxene group. The name diopside is best applied
only to light-colored specimens. Diopside is common to
many of the high-temperature assemblages of the
calcium-silicate units.
Diopside is an important rock forming mineral found in
several metamorphic and igneous rocks. Diopside is a
part of an important solid solution series of the
pyroxene group. It has a beautiful rich green color
and is the most affordable gemstone. It is ideal for
bright green accent stones.
It is faceted into gems and serves as fine collectors'
specimen. Diopside is available in a chromium-rich gem
variety called chrome diopside in bright color. Being
relatively soft, diopside is suited for making
beautiful earrings and pendants than rings that
receive too much wear. Chrome diopside is mostly mined
in Yakutia and Siberia.
