
diopside
The gemstone from the mineral class of silicates

overview
- Naming : The name diopside comes from the Greek dis (double), opsis (sight) and idos (shape) and was developed by the French mineralogist Hauy in 1806. The name comes from the fact that its crystals often appear as twins, i.e. connected twice.
- Mineral group: The diopside gemstone is a relatively common rock-forming mineral from the minor class of silicates.
- Colour: Diopside is usually light green to dark green, which is due to the magnesium deposits. However, the gemstone also comes in white, grey, yellowish, brown, reddish brown, black, colourless and, more rarely, blue and violet.
- Cut : To particularly emphasize its shine, the diopside is usually processed into a facet cut.
Quality factors
Color
Green diopside is the most common in nature, but it also comes in many other colors
purity
Russian diopsides are usually eye clean, meaning that inclusions cannot be seen with the naked eye.
carat
The value of a gemstone is determined by the following factors: color, clarity, carat and cut. Carat is a unit of measurement that corresponds to approximately 0.2 grams. It indicates the weight of a gemstone.
cut
A diopside gemstone is usually processed into a facet cut, as this particularly highlights its shine.

The Diopside and its Variations
Modifications or variations of diopside include baicalite, diallag, fassaite, jeffersonite and salite. Its streak color is white to grayish-white (also light lime green). Its Mohs hardness is between 5.5 and 6.5. Its luster is described as greasy, vitreous or matt, its transparency as transparent to translucent.
Special Diopsides
The most sought-after are the so-called green "cat's eyes", which contain small inclusions - probably of rutile - as well as the emerald green chrome diopside.
Special occasions
No special occasions were assigned to the diopside.

occurrence of diopside
Diopside is found in Austria, Italy and Sweden, for example. Diopside gemstones in gem quality come mainly from Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar and Burma.

jewelry with diopsides
If you are interested in a loose diopside gemstone or diopside jewelry, please contact us using the contact form below or give us a call.
Further articles

Like diopside, zircon belongs to the group of silicates.
Zircon is very similar to a diamond. Find out more!
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