Characteristics of Diopside:

Chemical Name: Calcium, magnesium silicate

Formula: CaMgSi₂O₆

Colors: White, pale to dark green, violet-blue

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 5-6

Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4

Refractive Index: 1.66-1.72

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: White to pale green

Locations: Italy, USA, Myanmar, Australia, Canada, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

What is Diopside? 

Diopside is one of the minerals found alongside diamonds in some kimberlite, an igneous rock, generally occurring as dark bottle-green, light green, brown, blue, or colorless stones. Rich green Diopside, colored by chromium and known as chrome Diopside, is faceted as a prized collector’s gem, and would potentially rival diamond in popularity but for its softness. Stones of another rich hue, a violet-blue colored by manganese, are found in Italy and the USA – these are sometimes called violane and are highly prized collector’s gems.