Description
CHROME DIOPSIDE SPECIMEN
This is the polished on the one side green chrome diopside specimen. Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.4 x 0.6″ (6.1 x 3.5 x 1.4cm). Weight – 1.8oz (51 grams). Origin: Russia, Yakutia.
Some information about chrome diopside:
Chrome diopside is one of those rare gemstones whose history has truly just begun. The world first heard about chrome diopside 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 had been 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 is derived from the Greek word «di», meaning two, and «opsis», meaning vision. Diopside is rated at 5.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness (moderately soft). Chrome diopside is mined in a remote location in Eastern Siberia known as Inagli in the state of Sakha.