Mineral formula: Ca(Mg,Cr)Si₂O₆

Mineral group: member of the Pyroxene group

Crystal system: monoclinic

Crystal habit: prismatic crystals with square cross-sections.

Cleavage: Distinct/Good on {110}

Fracture: irregular to conchoidal

Color: green

Luster: vitreous to dull

Diaphaneity: transparent to opaque

Moh’s scale hardness: 5 ½ - 6 ½

Streak: white/green

Specific gravity: 3.22 – 3.38

Named for: Named in 1806 by Rene Just Haüy from the Greek διζ- for "double" and οψτζ- "appearance," in allusion to two possible orientations of the prism zone.

Type locality: Piedmont, Italy.

Geological occurrence: One of the most common members of the pyroxene group. Often occurs in metamorphosed limestones (marbles) as generally pale greenish to greyish green crystals, masses and blebs/grains associated with humite-group minerals, spinel, phlogopite, tremolite and grossular. Can also be pure white and not distinguishable from the enclosing carbonate. Often fluorescent bright powder blue.

Energetic Properties: With its deep green color, chrome diopside links the properties of diopside with the green ray, usually associated with the heart chakra. Chrome diopside is often associated with invoking and coming into harmony with the spiritual energy of mother Earth and Gaia, as the green ray expands heart consciousness so that humans can feel our connection with Earth energies, especially unconditional love. It is also considered to be a stone of creativity, supporting all kinds of heart-based creative endeavors.

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