| Diopside
has several varieties, including
a chromium-rich gem variety called
chrome diopside. Violan is rare
blue variety found in some localities
in Italy. There is also a green
"cat's eye" variety that
contains minute inclusions, probably
of rutile, that reflect light in
such a way as to produce a lively
linear luminscence within the crystal.
Still another variety is quite dark,
with included rutile needles aligned
so as to produce a 4-rayed star,
hence the name star diopside. Ordinary
diopside is typically white or green
and can have a nice glassy luster.
While the color of chrome diopside
is much brighter, many specimens
of ordinary diopside are also cut
for gemstones. Mineral specimens
of diopside can be very striking
in appearance, and of interest to
mineral collectors.
|
