DESCRIPTION
Diopside was first described in the early 1800s and derives its name from the Greek words ‘dis’ and ‘opse’, meaning ‘two faced’, in reference to the two ways of orienting the gem before cutting (Diopside is unusual in that it has perfect cleavage in two directions).
Chrome Diopside are found in southern Siberia, Russia and many people in the trade now refer to it as Russian Diopside. The mines are located in very remote areas where, due to snow and freezing conditions, miners can only gain access to the area for a few months each year.