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16.9.1: Chrome Diopside

gemology
Gemology Project

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Chrome Diopside
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