16.9.1: Chrome Diopside
- Page ID
- 4139
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|---|---|
| Chemical composition | CaMg(SiO3)2alcium magnesium silicate |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Habit | Prismatic, waterworn pebbles |
| Cleavage | Distinct |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Hardness | 5 |
| Optic nature | Biaxial + |
| Refractive index | 1.67-1.70 |
| Birefringence | 0.025-0.030 |
| Dispersion | Low, 0.013 |
| Specific gravity | 3.3 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Pleochroism | Weak to moderate |
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Faceted Chrome Diopside
Photo courtesy of Rick Martin
Chrome diopside is the chromium-rich variety of diopside. Chromium gives chrome diopside a brighter green color compared to the green seen in diopside which is caused by iron.
Diagnostics
Color
Bright green to emerald green.
Inclusions
Fibrous inclusions.
Spectroscope
Fine lines in the red to deep red with narrow bands in the green-blue/blue. Not all lines may be observed.
Phenomena
Cat's-eyes
Localities
South Africa - Kimberley diamond mines
Burma
Pakistan
Siberia, Russia
References
- Gems. Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification 4th edition (1990) - R.Webster, B.W. Anderson
- Gemmology 3rd edition (2005) - Peter Read