Chrome Diopside
With the increasing interest in uncommon colored gemstones, more varieties with great potential have made their way into the gem market. One of these uncommon varieties is chrome diopside from Russia. It is very saturated, vivid green color with high refractions makes it a nice, more affordable alternative to Emerald. Since its introduction as a beautiful alternative green gemstone, chrome diopside has attracted a lot of attention from consumers.
Definition:
The name Diopside comes from the Greek, meaning double appearance, because of its crystal shape. As a member of the pyrxene family, diopside can be colorless, but is more often bottle-green, brown-green, or light green.
Bright green diopside is colored by chromium and is known as Chrome Diopside.
Most of the diopside on the market is in readily available commercial sizes, ranging from approximately one-half to two carats. However, larger stones can be found, some over five carats.
Once mainly described as an emerald alternative, chrome diopside is increasingly being promoted as a gem in its own right. Some domestically and internationally well-known jewelry brands have been promoting diopside jewelry since 2013.
Since the prices of emerald and green tourmaline are comparatively high, diopside jewelry fills in the price gap, making it affordable for the expanding middle class.
The History of Chrome Diopside:
As consumers become more aware of chrome diopside, the gem is gradually making its way into mainstream jewelry. In addition to its attractive color and comparatively affordable price, the stories of exotic sourcing and the gem’s untreated nature are both great diopside selling points. Modern consumers are more accepting of new stones than ever before. Chrome diopside already has great potential, and it is highly possible that its niche in the rapidly developing jewelry market will grow.
Diopside deposits are also found in small amounts in many chondrite meteorites. Chondrites are principles composed of small (1/25” in or 1mm) spheres of varying composition known as chondrules with a fine-grained matrix in between. Chondrites are thought to be among the earliest-formed materials in the solar system.
Siberia, Russia
Location:
Gem-quality chrome diopside is mined primarily in eastern Siberia where is known as “Siberia Emerald”. The so-called Inagli deposit is located in the Republic of Sakha. The harsh weather and terrain conditions in the mining area that shorten the mining season to only the summer months leads to limited supplies and steadily increasing prices.
Though Russia is the primary source of gem-quality chrome diopside, deposits also exist in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Italy, Finland, Austria, Tanzania, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), India, and the United States.
Care & Cleaning:
Chrome Diopside is rated 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and is generally best used in earrings, necklaces, brooches, and other items that will not be subjected to abrasion or impact. This gemstone is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is not recommended. One should protect Chrome Diopsides perfect cleavage from sudden shocks and sudden temperature changes.
Why We Love This Gemstone
Stunning Green:
Gem-quality Chrome Diopside is a vivid leaf-like green that rivals Emeralds and other green gemstones.
Best largest stones come from Russia
Chrome Diopside is found in many places but the best are found in the Ural mountains.
Affordable:
This gemstone is quite affordable especially for its beautiful clarity and transparency.
COLOR
Gem-quality Chrome Diopside is a vivid bright green.
CLARITY
Chrome diopside has excellent clarity with good transparency.
CUT
The stone has perfect cleavage making it possible to cut into many popular gemstone shapes.
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CARAT
The highest quality Chrome Diopside gems are usually under 1 carat but can vary from one-half to two carats.