Diopside

Real mineral · uncommon · CaMgSi₂O₆

Calcium magnesium pyroxene forming in metamorphic marbles and mafic igneous rocks. The chrome diopside variety is coloured vivid green by chromium. Black star diopside displays a four-rayed asterism from rutile inclusions.

Identity

Formula

CaMgSi₂O₆

Chemical class

silicate

Mineral group

Aegirine, Enstatite, Hiddenite, Jade, Kunzite

Also known as

Chrome diopside (green gem variety), Star diopside (black variety)

Crystallography

Crystal system

monoclinic

Habits

prismatic, massive, granular

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

5.5

Density

3.27 g/cm³

Luster

vitreous

Colors

green, dark green, black, colorless, brown

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

metamorphic, igneous

Host rocks

marble, skarn, basalt, gabbro

Associated minerals

Calcite, Garnet, Tremolite, Epidote

Geography

Russia (Siberia), Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Canada

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

Yes

Arcane properties

Affinity

earth, life

Effects

healing, elemental earth

Planar origin

Material Plane

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