Diopside properties

Diopside, a mineral belonging to the silicate group, is distinguished by its crystals, which can reach a remarkable size of 50 cm3. Composed of magnesium and calcium silicate, it forms in magma and exhibits a range of colors from light green to black, with variations in yellow, blue, gray, purple, white, and colorless.

Its complex visual identification has led to a multitude of synonyms, including Acantoid, Alalite, Coccolithe or cocolithe, Dekalbite, Fassaite (often confused with a homonymous stone), Kokkolith, Leucaugite, Maclurite, Malacolite, Mussite, Prothéite, Pyrgome, White Pyroxene, Granular Pyroxene, Gray-green Pyroxene, and Sahlite.

Its name derives from the Greek "Di" meaning "two" and "Opsis" for "vision," referring to the orientation of its crystals.

Varieties of diopside

• Bailkalite: dark color
• Fedorovite
• Chromo diopside or chromomeric diopside: green color, the most common one.
  • The tashmarin is a variety coming from China which green color is a lot lighter because of the weak presence of chrome.
• Lavrovite: apple green color
• Schefferite
• Traversellite
• Violane: purple to pale blue color, only coming from Italy.

Diopside presents a fascinating variety of inclusions, sometimes star-shaped, which add to its beauty and allure. It is interesting to note that this variety is often falsely referred to as "Black Star Sapphire of India."

The term "diopside" often brings to mind Chromo diopside, also known as chrome diopside, prized for its similarity to emerald. Its increasing popularity in the jewelry world stems from its exceptional qualities, now classifying it among gemstones rather than semi-precious stones.
Another commonly used variety is black star diopside, sometimes confused with black star sapphire.
Lastly, Violaine is gaining popularity due to its distinctive color and rarity in the market.

Stories, beliefs and legends about diopside

Diopside was initially described in 1800 by the Brazilian José Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva, marking the beginning of its mineral exploration.

Its popularity, especially the chrome diopside variety, skyrocketed in the market from 1989 when Russia widely distributed it after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was then considered an attractive and more affordable alternative to traditional green stones such as emerald, tsavorite, peridot, or green tourmaline, offering a luster almost comparable to emerald but at a more accessible price.
However, chrome diopside has a drawback: its green color can darken for larger stones, thus losing some of its brilliance compared to emerald. For this reason, diopside stones are generally limited to around 2 carats, although expert cutting techniques can mitigate this issue.
Due to its relative fragility, it is advisable to prefer diopside in pendants or earrings to avoid scratches and preserve its natural beauty.

Other deposits of diopside have been discovered in regions such as Pakistan, somewhat expanding the options available in the market. However, the most exquisite varieties still seem to originate from Russia, where extremely cold climatic conditions make exploitation challenging, contributing to a scarcity of the product and a constant increase in prices over the years.

During my in-depth research on this gemstone, I encountered two legends. I merely mention them while emphasizing that I give them little credence. Indeed, diopside is a relatively recent discovery, casting doubt on the possibility that these legends could postdate the 1980s.
It is conceivable that diopside may have been known and used in the past, but perhaps under another name now forgotten. Furthermore, no reliable source corroborates these legends, repeatedly mentioned without specifying their cultural or geographical origin.

In ancient times, some believed that diopside originated from the tree of life itself, considering it crucial to bury the deceased with this stone to ensure the renewal of life.

In certain cultures, green diopside is associated with peace and tranquility. It was recommended to place it on the forehead before sleep to promote soothing and pleasant dreams.

Mines: it is quite common in the Earth crust, Germany, Austria, Finland, India, Italy, Madagascar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the USA, Russia, Myanmar.

Healing properties and benefits of diopside

• Diopside is renowned for its numerous health benefits, particularly concerning blood vitality. It is widely celebrated for its beneficial influence on red blood cells, thereby contributing to optimal blood circulation and efficient tissue oxygenation.
• Furthermore, its regulatory properties extend to white blood cells, aiding in maintaining a healthy balance within the immune system.
• For those prone to clotting issues or suffering from hemophilia, diopside proves invaluable in regulating blood coagulation, offering increased protection against excessive bleeding, promoting faster wound healing, and mitigating the tendency for frequent bruising.
• Additionally, this remarkable mineral appears to promote the development of strong and healthy teeth in children, thereby reinforcing their oral health from a young age.
• In terms of renal function, diopside seems to act as a stimulant, supporting the health and proper functioning of these vital organs.
• Moreover, by positively influencing hormone production, diopside contributes to maintaining a harmonious hormonal balance, thereby promoting overall well-being and emotional stability.
• The benefits of diopside do not end there, as it is also associated with recalcification, an essential process for maintaining bone strength and health.
• Finally, for those prone to muscle spasms and cramps, diopside provides welcome relief by limiting these discomforts, thereby allowing for a better quality of life and increased mobility.