Diopside
| Colour | Green, Blue, Brown, Clear |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5.5–6.5 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to dull |
| Streak | white |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Cleavage | Distinct/good on {110} |
| Fracture | Irregular/uneven, conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | MgCaSi 2 O 6 |
| Specific gravity | 3.278 |
What is Diopside?
Diopside is a monoclinic pyroxene mineral with composition MgCaSi2O6. It forms complete solid solution series with hedenbergite and augite, and partial solid solutions with orthopyroxene and pigeonite. It forms variably colored, but typically dull green crystals in the monoclinic prismatic class. It has two distinct prismatic cleavages at 87 and 93° typical of the pyroxene series. It has a Mohs hardness of six, a Vickers hardness of 7.7 GPa at a load of 0.98 N, and a specific gravity of 3.25 to 3.55. It is transparent to translucent with indices of refraction of nα=1.663–1.699, nβ=1.671–1.705,
How to identify Diopside
- Lustre: Vitreous to dull.
- Hardness: Mohs 5.5–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: white.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Diopside in different forms
Stones often confused with Diopside
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Diopside?
Diopside is Mohs 5.5–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Diopside?
Diopside is typically green, blue, brown, clear (Commonly light to dark green; may be blue, brown, colorless, white to snow white, grey, pale violet).