Chrome diopside is a chromium-rich variety of diopside prized for its intense, vivid green color that rivals emerald. It is typically found as transparent faceted gemstones in localities associated with ultramafic rocks, notably in the Siberian kimberlite fields.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

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Chrome Diopside

Also: Chromian Diopside

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this chrome diopside?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chrome diopside with a known reference. Chrome Diopside sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chrome Diopside leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chrome Diopside typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: vivid green, emerald green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Chrome Diopside vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Green Beryl is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 5.5-6.5).

Often found alongside chrome diopside

Minerals reported to co-occur with chrome diopside. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMgSi₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 3.2-3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Vivid Green Emerald Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good in 2 Directions
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Gemstone, Collector
Host rock: Kimberlite Pipes and Serpentinized Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $20-200 per carat depending on size and clarity

Where rockhounds find chrome diopside

Classic worldwide localities

Yakutia (Russia)
Outokumpu (Finland)
Pakistan
Myanmar
Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in kimberlite pipes and serpentinized ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where chrome diopside typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, olivine, serpentine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chrome diopside?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include vivid green, emerald green.

Where is chrome diopside found?+

Notable localities include Yakutia (Russia); Outokumpu (Finland); Pakistan; Myanmar; Canada.

How much is chrome diopside worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per carat depending on size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chrome diopside?+

Chrome Diopside is most often confused with Green Beryl, Peridot, Tourmaline. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chrome diopside?+

Chrome Diopside commonly co-occurs with Garnet, Olivine, Serpentine, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chrome diopside form in?+

Chrome Diopside typically forms in kimberlite pipes and serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chrome diopside used for?+

Chrome Diopside is used in gemstone, collector.

Find chrome diopside on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.