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 image displays a cluster of vibrant green, prismatic diopside crystals, exhibiting good form and clarity.
Diopside Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
good on {110} at 87 and 93 degreesFracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
3.27Colors
green, colorless, white, gray, yellow, brown, black, blue, violetTransparency
transparentType Locality
Merelani Hills (Mererani), Lelatema Mts, Arusha Region, TanzaniaMineral Group
silicatesUses
jewelry, collector, industrialAssociated Minerals
calcite, dolomite, garnet, vesuvianiteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Diopside commonly forms in metamorphic rocks such as skarns, marbles, and serpentinites, and can also be found in some mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks.
