Chrome Diopside

Chrome diopside is one of those rare gemstones whose history has truly just begun. The world first heard about this stone in 1988 when rumors of a stunning green gem emerged out of northern Siberia. Due to restrictions caused by the Cold War, access to the area very limited. However, the market began opening up after the Berlin Wall fell in late 1989.

Chrome diopside is a calcium magnesium silicate and owes its green coloration to traces of chromium. The name Diopside derived from the Greek word «di», meaning two, and «opsis», meaning vision. Diopside rated at 5.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness (moderately soft). Mining takes place in a remote location in Eastern Siberia known as Inagli in the state of Sakha.