Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonsilicates
Diopside
CaMgSi₂O₆
This specimen features a large, intensely lime-green Diopside crystal, exhibiting good transparency and a well-formed prismatic habit. The crystal is a vibrant green, characteristic of some gem-quality diopside.
Diopside Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
good on {110} at 87 and 93 degreesFracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.22Colors
green, lime-green, dark green, white, gray, brown, blackTransparency
transparentType Locality
Merelani Hills (Mererani), Lelatema Mts, Arusha Region, TanzaniaMineral Group
silicatesUses
jewelry, collector, industrialAssociated Minerals
calcite, dolomite, tremolite, actinolite, garnet, spinel, tanzaniteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Diopside is a common mineral found in a variety of metamorphic rocks, particularly in contact metamorphic zones (skarns) and marbles, as well as in some mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks. It forms under high-temperature and moderate-pressure conditions.
