STAR DIOPSIDE

Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Variety:  Star
Species:  Diopside
Mohs Hardness:  8.5 out of 10
Color:  Dark green to black, typically with a 4-rayed star
RI:  1.68 Spot Reading Common
Birefringence:  0.024 to 0.030
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Optic Character:  Biaxial positive
Pleochroism:  Usually not detectable
Spectrum:  Common line at 505nm
Fluorescence:  Usually inert
SG:  3.29 (+0.11 / -0.07)

Star Diopside Facts

Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Two forms of diopside are usually found in jewelry:  chrome diopside and star diopside.

Star diopside displays a rare phenomena known as asterism:  many intersecting needle inclusions that scatter light, causing a visible star in reflected light.

Star diopside is usually a dark green or black, with a 4-rayed star.  6-rayed stars are possible, but rare.