GeoMiner Free earth-science tools

Built by a geologist

Chromian Diopside identification and geology

Chrome-bearing variety of diopside with vivid emerald-green color. Used as an affordable green gemstone. Color: Vivid emerald green. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in two directions at 87°. Hardness: 5.5-6.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Ca Mg,Cr Si₂O₆. Specific gravity: 3.22-3.38. Formation: Forms in chromium-rich ultramafic rocks and kimberlites where chromium substitutes for aluminum. Common geological settings: Russia Siberia , Finland, Pakistan, Myanmar; found in ultramafic rocks and kimberlites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Emerald, Tsavorite, Peridot.

  • Browse all mineral identification entries — Compare this entry with the complete GeoMiner minerals collection.
  • Previous: Chlorite — Green phyllosilicate mineral group common in low-grade metamorphic rocks. Gives greenschist its characteristic color.
  • Next: Chromite — Iron chromium oxide and the only commercial ore of chromium. Essential for stainless steel and chrome plating.

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-02-10T20:29:50.275794+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
  • Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

Read GeoMiner's editorial methodology or report a content issue.

Common questions

What is Chromian Diopside?
Chrome-bearing variety of diopside with vivid emerald-green color. Used as an affordable green gemstone.
How can you identify Chromian Diopside?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Vivid emerald green; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5; cleavage: Good in two directions at 87°; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Chromian Diopside form?
Forms in chromium-rich ultramafic rocks and kimberlites where chromium substitutes for aluminum.
Where is Chromian Diopside commonly found?
Russia Siberia , Finland, Pakistan, Myanmar; found in ultramafic rocks and kimberlites.
What is Chromian Diopside commonly confused with?
Chromian Diopside may be confused with Emerald, Tsavorite, Peridot. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.