Diopside
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameDiopside
Chemical FormulaCaMgSi2O6
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood in two directions at nearly 90 degrees ({110})
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.22
Colorsgreen, dark green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityMadagascar
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralscalcite, dolomite, tremolite, forsterite, spinel, garnet, phlogopite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A vibrant green, transparent diopside gemstone cut into a marquise shape, displaying numerous facets that reflect light.
Geological Context
Diopside typically forms in contact metamorphic rocks, such as skarns derived from dolomitic limestones, and in ultramafic igneous rocks.
