Diopside var. CHROMIAN Diopside - image 1

Diopside var. CHROMIAN Diopside

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This attractive large thumbnail specimen of bright lime-green Diopside from the Merelani Hills workings in the Lelatema Mountains of Tanzania really shows how gemmy Diopside can be as a species. Two nicely formed prismatic Diopside crystals form a 'V'-shaped aggregate, but their differing lengths make it more like a tick shape. The crystals are not perfectly formed, but their colour and gemminess is stunning. This is the variety Chromian Diopside, readily apparent from its colour and, interestingly, has an adhering matrix of silvery-black Graphite in rounded mounds on the back of each crystal. Diopside in this quality is rarely seen, the Merelani Hills being a remarkable exception.

Product details

SpeciesDiopside, Graphite
SizeThumbnail
Dimensions1.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 cm
Added on10/24/2024
LocalityTanzania, Manyara Region, Merelani Hills
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$400.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

Learn more

Diopside
Mineral guide
Learn about Diopside
classic clinopyroxene with prism crystals in chrome-green to violane violet, varied habits and marble localities prized by collectors.
Diopside
Regional guide
Diopside from Merelani Hills, Tanzania
Merelani Hills, Tanzania: Diopside prized for lime-green crystals, glassy clarity, and specimen contrast with graphite; a standout locality for collectors.
Locality guide
Merelani Hills
A collector's guide to Merelani Hills, Tanzania: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 806 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.