Chrome diopside is an emerald-colored mineral that is a type of diopside. It was considered a rock-forming mineral until a deposit of gem-quality stones was discovered in Yakutia in the middle of the last century.
The color of the chrome diopside stone is similar to emerald, but it is more fragile and has defects in the structure. Due to its external similarity, the mineral received a second name in everyday life - Siberian or Yakut emerald.
History of the mineral
Chrome diopside, as a jewelry stone, was introduced to society relatively recently. Today, the only industrial-scale deposit located on the territory of Yakutia was discovered by A. Korchagin in 1968. A Soviet geologist described this rare variety of diopside in detail.
After gemological analyses, careful study of properties and processing, the mineral was noticed by jewelers. In 1988, it was officially recognized as a jewelry stone.
Translated from Greek, the name of the mineral means “double appearance.” When you change the angle of view, the hue of the chrome diopside changes, and if you look closely at the edges, it seems that they bifurcate.
In everyday life, chrome diopside is called inaglite, since its main deposits are located on the shores of Inagli, as well as Yakut or Siberian emerald for its external similarity to this precious stone.
Origin and deposits of chrome diopside stone
The deposit of this mineral was discovered relatively recently. This happened in Yakutia in 1968 in the area of the Inagli River. That is why the stone is often called the “Yakut emerald”. There is also a name “Siberian emerald”.
The mineral was found by the Soviet geologist A.M. Korchagin. He described the gem in detail and carried out its chemical analysis. However, the official trade in stone began only in 1988.
Natural deposits of this mineral are presented in the form of prismatic crystals or a solid granular mass.
What kind of stone is this - chrome diopside? It is a rock-forming mineral of kimberlites and is often found near diamond deposits.
Today the stone is mined in South Africa, China, Finland, Myanmar, and Japan. There are also deposits of gems in North America and Australia. However, the amount of mineral in all deposits is limited. In addition, the quality does not reach the value of jewelry.
First found in Yakutia, in the second half of the 20th century.
Physical and chemical properties
Chrome diopside belongs to the group of monoclinic pyroxenes. The composition contains chromium, titanium, iron and vanadium as obligatory impurities.
| Index | Description |
| Formula | CaMg(Si2O6) |
| Hardness | 5.5-6 units on the Mohs scale |
| Density | 3.55 g/cm³ |
| Shine | glass |
| Transparency | translucent, fully transparent |
| Kink | conchoidal |
| Fragility | increased |
| Pleochroism effect | present, yellow-green to emerald |
| Fluorescence | appears under ultraviolet rays |
Meaning and description of the stone
Chrome diopside, also known under another name - Yakut emerald, carries the energy of the earth, plants, and natural components. Chrome diopside is not the only representative of diopsides. Mineralogists distinguish the following varieties:
- laurelite – apple green;
- violan – purple, blue;
- smaragdite – including 0.04 vanadium oxide;
- jeffersonite - a variety containing zinc and iron;
- black diopsides with asterism;
- diopsides with cat's eye effect.
In addition to color, chrome diopside has another interesting feature - pleochroism.
When viewed from different angles, it seems as if the crystal is capable of changing shade. Chrome diopside fluoresces in ultraviolet rays. It has a glassy sheen and is translucent until transparent. But in jewelry it is more common to find up to 5 carats, because with larger sizes it loses transparency, concentrating the green color to black.
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Place of Birth
The largest and richest deposit of gem-quality chrome diopsides is located in Yakutia on the banks of the Inagli River. Placer stones have different weights, but the weight of the highest quality samples usually does not exceed 2 carats.
The mineral is also mined in other countries of the world, but its reserves are limited. Moreover, the low quality of the mined stones does not allow their use in jewelry. Suppliers of such raw materials are Australia, South Africa, Tajikistan, USA, Canada, Myanmar, Brazil, China, Japan.
Among the European countries involved in stone mining, Switzerland, Italy, and Finland should be highlighted.
Real and artificial chrome diopside
Siberian emerald is not counterfeited because it is cheap, but jewelry with fake chrome diopside is available on sale. The artificial mineral is produced using hydrothermal technology. Crumbs of the mineral remaining after its processing are placed in the device along with various chemical elements. Under high pressure and temperatures, the crumbs merge and the whole mineral crystallizes. This takes approximately 1.5 months. You can distinguish a natural crystal from one created in the laboratory with multiple magnification. Microscopic defects are always visible on a natural specimen, but its human-made counterpart is ideal in all respects.
Artificial chrome diopside, made using high technology, is not inferior in beauty to a natural mineral. It is great for decorative purposes. But for those who believe in the magic of stones, it is better to purchase a talisman with a natural crystal.
Colors and varieties
Rocks that form in close proximity to chrome diopside and the amount of chromium in the chemical composition have a direct impact on the color palette of the gem.
The main color of chrome diopside is green with a wide range of shades. These are stones of a uniform shade of young green grass, yellowish, pistachio, brown and almost black. There are crystals that combine several tones, smoothly transitioning from one to another.
Mineralogists do not distinguish separate varieties of chrome diopside.
Interesting facts about the stone
Certain facts are known about each mineral of natural origin. It is useful for all people to know about such things, and not just those who are interested in studying stones:
- Diopside exhibits the effect of asterism. This property is manifested due to the presence of crystalline inclusions in natural samples.
- The American Museum of Natural History is the proud owner of a transparent natural specimen. This green mineral weighs 38 carats.
- Not only jewelry with this gem, but also decorative items made from it serve as a good talisman.
- The mineral is of particular importance for people named Anastasia, Julia, Nikolai or Arthur.
Diopside is valued not only for its external beauty, but also for its magical and healing powers. The stone suits almost everyone. However, when choosing a talisman, you still need to take into account your zodiac sign. Then the mineral will definitely not cause harm, and its impact on the life and destiny of the owner will be truly positive.
Medicinal properties
Chrome diopside bracelet
The characteristic properties of chrome diopside, like all green stones, have a positive effect on the nervous system. The mineral helps get rid of emotional fatigue and the effects of stress, normalize sleep, get out of a depressive state, and reduce anxiety and panic.
The beneficial effects of chrome diopside were also noted on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The stone is recommended to be worn for hypertension, arrhythmia and other heart rhythm disorders.
Green gem helps to cope with headaches, colds, and weather dependence. The stone in silver alleviates the condition of respiratory tract diseases. And gold jewelry will help cope with disorders of the digestive system.
Magical and healing features
Chrome diopside has magical properties. It is characterized by fairly powerful protective energy. Merging with the energy of the owner, the amulet gives him vitality and absorbs negativity. Using the properties of chrome diopside helps a person find harmony in the world.
This gem reliably protects a person from diseases, the evil eye and troubles. With its help, it is possible to develop kindness, get rid of negative energy and strengthen intuition.
The magical properties of jewelry with stones appear gradually. After some time, a person begins to feel changes in life and health.
With the help of the mineral it is possible to achieve the following effects:
- a cut stone helps to normalize the emotional background and become calmer;
- a mineral in a silver frame helps to cope with bronchopulmonary pathologies - it is recommended to wear such jewelry on the left side;
- a stone in a gold frame helps improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines - this mineral is best worn on the right.
An amulet with this stone has magical properties.
The healing energy of chrome diopside helps protect its owner from negative influences and diseases. It also allows you to relieve emotional stress.
The healing properties of the mineral include the following:
- lowering blood pressure and normalizing blood circulation;
- stabilization of heartbeat and elimination of arrhythmia;
- calming effect on the entire body and specifically on the nervous system;
- elimination of increased irritability and excessive excitability;
- reducing the desire to conflict with other people and minimizing stress.
The mineral chrome diopside helps activate metabolic processes in the body. It also improves mood and helps get rid of weather dependence.
Products containing chrome diopside are characterized by medicinal properties.
The magical properties of chrome diopside
Chrome diopside egg, 5.6x4.1 cm
In order for this gem to show its magical properties, you need to be patient. The stone does not tolerate lies, hypocrisy, indifference and passivity, so it will not help someone who has these qualities.
Chrome diopside is an energy generator. Thanks to its properties, the mineral absorbs the negativity surrounding its owner and transforms it into positive energy. A green gem promotes good changes in life, provided that a person puts effort into it.
The warm energy of the stone bestows spiritual harmony, enhances the positive qualities of a person, and inspires optimism. In difficult life situations, the mineral helps to find the right solution to the problem.
If you wear chrome diopside in a ring or ring, you can achieve success in the professional sphere, improve your financial situation, and open your own business.
A bracelet made of chrome diopside will become a talisman of good luck if you wear it on your right hand. By wearing jewelry on your left hand, you can develop hidden abilities and inner sense, which will help you recognize deception.
Magic characteristics
A person who wears this diopside has strong energy and an almost complete absence of negative qualities. His life is full of positive emotions and joyful moments that cannot be spoiled by the bad wishes of enemies and ill-wishers.
The mineral of the chrome diopside variety has the following magical properties:
- protects the owner from the evil eye, damage, fatal and severely damaging diseases;
- improves intuitive indicators;
- motivate to do good deeds;
- provides a peaceful and measured life to the owner;
- leads a person to search for a personal path in life;
- helps to find harmony between the physical body and inner spirituality, human activity and natural phenomena.
The Yakut emerald chrome diopside has a similar effect due to its color. Psychologists say that a beautiful green color helps reduce nervousness and aggressiveness and gives a sense of peace of mind.
The stone affects the psyche
Having started wearing jewelry made from Siberian diopside, the individual will observe a decrease in the number of deceitful, vindictive and selfish people in the environment. Clarity of mind and a positive direction of thoughts, a desire to act and realize personal goals will also become noticeable. Chrome diopside stone is generally positive, but it has a number of features that should not be forgotten, since these accents can negate the entire effect of the mineral.
Chrome diopside and the signs of the Zodiac
Chrome diopside beads
From the point of view of astrologers, the Yakut emerald is not suitable for all zodiac signs.
The favorites of this mineral are Taurus, Libra and Pisces:
- For Taurus, the stone will help them overcome their inherent laziness, get down to business decisively and achieve their goals.
- Libra needs the gem to build relationships with others and strengthen character.
- Chrome diopside will give Pisces an optimistic mood and give them motivation to fight such negative qualities as melancholy and laziness.
Chromediopside has a neutral attitude towards the following representatives of the Zodiac system:
- Geminis will learn to fight back those who try to impose their opinions on them.
- The Yakut emerald will make Cancers confident and decisive.
- Leos will be able to get rid of the feeling of melancholy and their own unfulfillment.
- Virgos need the stone to develop imagination and daydreaming.
- Scorpios expect changes for the better.
- Sagittarians will have the opportunity to develop supernatural abilities. For example, guessing the thoughts of others.
- Aquarians will stop paying attention to the obsessive opinions of other people.
It is not recommended to use the power of the stone for Aries and Capricorns. Chrome diopside negatively affects the character of these zodiac signs, enhancing their negative traits.
Which zodiac sign is the chrome diopside stone suitable as a talisman?
When choosing a mineral, you should consider your horoscope. According to astrologers, chrome diopside is suitable for all zodiac signs:
- For Taurus, the stone helps strengthen marriage bonds or find love. In addition, regularly wearing the mineral allows you to recognize deception.
- The mineral will make Cancers more reasonable. It will give men self-confidence.
- Leo stone will make you more cheerful and help get rid of apathy and melancholy.
- The mineral will endow Sagittarius with prophetic abilities. If a person often listens to himself, he will be able to predict the thoughts and desires of others.
- The stone will give Pisces motivation to action and help cope with laziness. A gem can solve many problems.
- The crystal will encourage Scorpios to new achievements. This will help change your life for the better.
- Virgos will be able to develop their imagination with the help of a gem. With the help of vivid fantasies, you will be able to look at your life with different eyes.
- Libra will be able to increase their self-esteem with the help of the mineral. The stone will help representatives of this sign to abandon relationships that bring only disappointment.
- Aquarius, under the influence of the stone, will no longer be bothered by the opinions of others about their lives. Representatives of this zodiac constellation will be able to more easily reach their goal.
- Capricorns will be able to take their professional responsibilities more responsibly.
- For Aries, the stone will give them the opportunity to cope with life's difficulties.
- Gemini will find the strength not to follow the lead of their loved ones and will learn to refuse them.
The talisman does not have to be worn every day. It is enough to wear it literally a couple of times a week.
Jewelry with the mineral is suitable for all zodiac signs.
Main Application
Ring with chrome diopside 8x6mm, 1.5 carats
Chrome diopside is in demand in jewelry and craftsmanship.
Crystals with a high degree of transparency and purity are used to make jewelry. They are polished, cut with emerald or step cuts in the form of a square and baguette, after which they are inserted into earrings, rings, brooches, and pendants. The mineral is set in precious metals - gold, blackened silver.
Less high-quality translucent specimens are processed into cabochons and used to make inexpensive jewelry - bracelets, beads, pendants.
Due to its rarity, the gem is valued as a collector's item. World-famous museums house a large number of rare specimens of this variety of diopside.
Jewelry with chrome diopside
The mineral is processed with step or diamond cutting, cabochon, baguette. It is framed in silver or gold. Ultimately placed in earrings, rings, pendants, brooches, cufflinks, rings. Bracelets, beads and necklaces are made from cut stones.
Crystals framed in blackened silver look interesting. Silver items with chrome diopside inserts will complement, making not only a daily, but also a festive outfit irresistible. And the ability of the stone to change its color, depending on the lighting, will add mystery to your appearance.
Due to the fragility of the stone, it must be carried carefully and carefully.
To avoid hairline cracks and other damage, always remove jewelry when engaging in strenuous activities. To clean the stone, use a soft brush and warm water. When storing, keep away from other jewelry or wrap in cloth before placing in the jewelry box.
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Price
The price of chrome diopside varies widely and directly depends on its quality. The most expensive are considered to be completely transparent crystals the color of spring green grass.
Estimated cost of chrome diopside jewelry and products with it:
- $2-4 – for a raw crystal weighing up to 3 grams;
- $55-60 – for a cabochon-treated insert with a diameter of up to 10 mm;
- $130-240 – for chrome diopside beads, depending on the length of the product;
- $190 – for a ring with a mineral in a silver frame;
- $245 – for gold earrings with chrome diopside inserts.
Caring for a fragile beauty
Caring for jewelry made from chrome diopside should be careful. The stone is easy to scratch.
Diopsides are soluble in some acids. Therefore, cleaning the apartment and kitchen work are incompatible things.
It is better to carefully care for things with a gem:
- do not subject to ultrasonic or steam cleaning;
- clean with soapy water;
- Rinse off any remaining soap generously and immediately.
The gem is sensitive to high temperatures.
Important: buy pendants, necklaces, earrings. Rings and bracelets are nice, but very impractical. Wearing them during housework is not recommended.
It is better to store jewelry with a gem in a separate bag, box, or casket.
How to store and care
Caring for chrome diopside is the same as for most brittle stones. It must be protected from impacts, squeezing, sharp objects and falling.
It is not recommended to keep the gem in a box with other minerals and metal products. If you leave the jewelry in the vicinity of other stones, then wrap it in fabric or place it in a fabric bag.
Products containing chrome diopside (especially rings and bracelets) should be removed before performing household tasks, playing sports, or taking hygiene procedures.
It is necessary to protect stones from contact with chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes, temperature changes and high humidity.
To clean the stone, it is enough to wipe it once every 2-3 months with a swab dipped in soapy water, rinse it and immediately dry it with a cotton napkin.
Astrology of the Siberian emerald
Astrology is still studying which zodiac sign suits chrome diopside.
The patron planets of the gem are serious. These are Neptune and Uranus. Days of the week are Wednesday and Friday. These days, the magical meaning of the stone for the owner is intensifying.
According to the horoscope, the gem is most suitable for the signs of the Zodiac:
- Taurus;
- Pisces;
- Libra;
- Cancer.
Some astrologers are sure that Capricorns and Aries should not wear the gem.
Chrome diopside has good compatibility with other stones. Unless rubies are very suitable for a product with “Siberian emerald”.
How to spot a fake
On the stone market you can often find counterfeits of real chrome diopside:
- A synthetic analogue grown in a laboratory. Using the hydrothermal method, analogues are grown from beryl or chromium diopside particles remaining after processing the mineral.
- Imitation of chrome diopside from more accessible stones of natural origin of similar color - spinel, corundum, cubic zirconia.
- Pressed doublets and triplets in which thin layers of real or synthetic chrome diopside are bonded to glass.
You can visually distinguish a real gem from an imitation by the presence of defects in the structure and fragility. There are always defects in the depth and on the surface of natural stone, while fakes have a uniform structure. The slightest impact with a sharp object will leave a scratch on the surface of the chrome diopside.
Often the stone itself is used as a counterfeit emerald, as a result of which the buyer has to overpay a decent amount of money for the product.
To finally verify the authenticity of chrome diopside, it is recommended to show it to an experienced jeweler.
How to care for stone
Diopside 33x35x20 mm
It has already been mentioned that the stone is fragile. When it comes to caring, you need to follow simple rules so that you can enjoy your jewelry for as long as possible. Store in a separate box wrapped in soft cloth.
Care without using abrasives or chemicals, using only warm water and a soft brush. Sometimes you can make a soap solution. Wipe carefully with a soft cloth. Protect from mechanical damage.
In pendants, pendants, and earrings, the stone is preserved better than in a ring, ring, or bracelet.
History of discovery
Until the middle of the 20th century, chrome diopside was perceived by geologists only as a rock-forming mineral. In Pylyaev’s book “Precious Stones” of 1877, not a word is said about him. It began to be used as a jewelry stone after the discovery of the Inaglinskoye deposit in the south of Yakutia. Anatoly Mikhailovich Korchagin was the first to discover it. He also carried out a chemical analysis, described the mineral and participated in geological exploration work. The first samples were cut, found suitable for insertion into jewelry and included in reference books. The first baguette-cut stones resembled the purest emeralds: light was refracted in the facets and the mineral either seemed calmly green or sparkling. So the people called the stone the Yakut emerald.
There was some crime. While research was being conducted, catalogs, descriptions were being created, and other bureaucratic scientific activities were being carried out, individual crystals found their way onto the market under the guise of emeralds and even managed to go abroad. Such a big global scandal as with cubic zirconia did not happen, but an unpleasant aftertaste remained.
