CHROME DIOPSIDE

Chrome diopside is mostly mined in Yakutia and Siberia. Because of the economic changes in the former Soviet Union it is now much more readily available than previously. It is a rich green stone, similar in colour to chrome tourmaline, but unlike that stone it has a few inherent drawbacks when being used in jewellery. The hardiness is only 5.5 which makes it impractical to use as a ring stone, also chrome diopside is mostly available in small sizes: in the rare large sizes, the colour actually becomes so rich that it is too dark. But for bright green accent stones for pendants and earrings, chrome diopside is ideal. Location - Russia, Canada, South Africa Group - Pyroxene R.I. - 1.66-69 Hardness 5.5 - 6.5