Diopside is predominantly found in Siberia.
Diopside is a mineral found in igneous rock formations and meteorites. It is similar in appearance to emerald, but typically sells for a significantly lower price. According to the Gehna Bazaar gemstone website, diopside was relatively unpopular until 1988, when vast quantities were discovered in Russia. As the Russian economy opened up, diopside was given a high export status alongside diamonds and emeralds. The most significant deposits of diopside come from East Siberia, but it is also found in Sri Lanka, South Africa and the U.S.
Structural Properties
Diopside is part of the pyroxene area of gems and is formed of calcium and magnesium silicate. It also possesses excellent pleochroism, which means it can be viewed from many different angles and appear to have a variety of colors.
Appearance
Diopside typically has a rich green color, appearing slightly translucent under bright light. Stones that have a dark-green color are particularly valued. Diopside gems are typically small, as stones that are cut at a level of two carats or more grow too dark. This is because the light that holds the green color becomes extinct when cut to higher sizes.
Physical Properties
Diopside has a hardness rating of between 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which is a scale of hardness determined by which stones can make scratches on the surfaces of others. It adapts well to a range of jewelry but can also be slightly brittle. It can be cut in both directions as required for design purposes. The crystal structure of diopside is monoclinic, which means the vertical axis of the stone is inclined to one lateral axis, but lies at right angles to the other.
Crafting Properties
Diopside shows its optimum color when cut in an oval or circular shape. Anyone wishing to cut diopside to yield an attractive gemstone should be a skilled cutter in order to bring out its rich colors. Due to the sensitive craft involved in forming diopside, only around 10 percent of collected material is typically used in the finished product. Diopside has few excess mineral products contained within it. When cut properly, it holds a brilliant green shine similar to emerald. Specialist cutters can further enhance the attractiveness of diopside by carving shallow angles to optimize its radiance.
Value
Diopside is fairly cheap, which makes it an excellent substitute for the more expensive, yet similar, emerald stones. According to the Gehna Bazaar jewelry website, a decent 3-carat diopside stone can be purchased for around $20.
Spiritual and Healing Properties
Diopside is connected with creativity and logic, according to the Crystal and Jewelry website. It is a stone that is believed to heal traumas and to open up the feminine side of one's being, to counteract feelings of aggression. Diopside has also been used to treat physical ailments, such as circulation problems, muscle spasms and heart and lung problems.
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