Chromiandiopside |
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Gemstone quality diopside is found in two forms: the black star diopside and the chrome diopside (which includes chromium giving it a rich green colour). At 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, chrome diopside is relatively soft to scratch. Chrome diopside is a common constituent of peridotite xenoliths, and dispersed grains are found near kimberlite pipes, and as such are a prospecting indicator for diamonds. Occurrences are reported in Canada, South Africa, Russia and a wide variety of other locations. Diopside was first described about 1800 and derives its name from the Greek dis, "twise", and òpsè, "face" in reference to the two ways of orienting the vertical prism. |
Prodotti correlati in: |
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