Chrome Diopside
Diopside (die-op-side) Found in - South Africa, Sri Lanka, Siberia, Pakistan, California, Canada & India History - Diopside may be colorless, but usually is bottle green, brownish green or light green, depending on how iron rich or magnesium poor the stones are. The name is derived from the Greek words dis (double) and opsis(sight). Very bright green diopside colored by chromium, is known as chrome diopside. Violet-blue crystals, colored by manganese, may be called Violane. A dark green to black colored stone found in India, can be cut as a cabochon to show a star. Star Diopside - a member of the pyroxene group, contains needlelike crystals of magnetite, which make it magnetic. These also produce a distinctive 4 or 6 ray star that is most visible under a single light source. Often known as the Star of India as it is mined in southern India. Its color is primarly black. Metaphysical - Legends say that star diposides were once stars that had fallen to earth but were able to retain their sparkle as a reminder of what they once were. In modern times the stone is thought to be for treatments of blood disorders, particularly clotting disorders, for problem solving and a balanced temprement.