Earth Treasures: Chrome Diopside
By Chisom Ibemere
Chrome Diopside is a relatively new gemstone which was discovered in Siberia in the 1988. It is one of the variety of Diopside that contains chromium, which is responsible for its vivid green color. It occurs basically in Russia, but can be seen in other locations, like in the Pakistan, Italy, and Finland.
Chrome Diopside is a rare mineral that is found in kimberlite and peridotite rocks. It occurs in small quantity with the large, high-quality specimens uncommon. The gemstone is primarily mined in Russia.
The term Chrome is gotten from chromium, the chemical element which produces its vivid green color, while Diopside is gotten from the Greek word “dis” meaning double and “opis” meaning vision. It has a mohs hardness of 5.5 and specific gravity of 3.28 and a refractive index ratio of 1.68-1.70.
Chrome Diopside is used majorly in the manufacturing of jewelry, mostly rings, necklaces, and earrings. The gemstone is prized for its unique, vivid green color, which is rare in other gemstones. It is believed to have properties that promote healing and balance.
Chrome Diopside gets its color from the presence of chromium. The gemstone has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. It is also brittle and can be prone to scratching and cracking. It has a vitreous to sub-adamantine luster, and its color can range from a pale green to a deep, rich green.
Chrome Diopside varies in value which depends greatly on its quality, size, and color. A high-quality Chrome Diopside gemstone can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per carat. However, larger, high-quality specimens can be valued at thousands of dollars. The value of Chrome Diopside is influenced by its rarity, uniqueness, and it’s unique color.