Where is Diopside found?
CaMgSi2O6
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Open the appDiopside occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Diopside
Italy
Val di Fassa, Trentino-Alto Adige (classic locality for well-formed crystals).
Myanmar (Burma)
Mogok region (known for gem-quality chromian diopside).
Russia
Aldan Shield, Yakutia (source of star diopside and chromian diopside).
Canada
Quebec and Ontario (found in metamorphic terrains).
USA
New York, California, and various other states in metamorphic and igneous settings.
Pakistan
Northern Areas (gem-quality diopside).
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Look for diopside in areas known for contact metamorphism of carbonate rocks (skarns) or regional metamorphism of impure limestones and dolomites. Also check mafic and ultramafic igneous intrusions.
- Associated Minerals. Diopside often occurs with calcite, dolomite, tremolite, grossular garnet, vesuvianite, wollastonite, forsterite, and various amphiboles.
- Crystal Habit. Identify its characteristic prismatic crystals with nearly 90-degree cleavage. The green color, especially the vivid green of chromian diopside, is a strong indicator.
- Hardness Test. Its hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale means it can scratch glass but can be scratched by quartz.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Green (most common), white, gray, brown, black, colorless
- Luster:
- Vitreous to dull
- Streak:
- White
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