Chrome Diopside / Faceting Information
This covers tips and guides on Chrome Diopside faceting. Chrome Diopside has a rich green shade that rivals that of an Emerald, just much more affordable.
Diopside (chrome)
Color: Chrome green to colorless.
Moh's Hardness: 5-6
Refractive Index: 1.671-1.726
Critical Angle: 36.78°
Specific Gravity: 3.27-3.31
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Uneven
Heat Sensitivity: Yes in my experience
Dichroic: weak
Birefringence (double refraction): Medium (.028)
Crystal Structure: Monoclinic
Treatments: Generally none
What I prefer to polishing with: Alumina or cerium oxide on most standard polishing laps or chrome oxide Ultralap.
Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes pretty easily, can be a little tough to polish sometimes. It seems to grab diamonds and can scratch. Watch the heat when dopping. Orient stone to avoid cleavage plane. Use an extra-fine lap for pre-polishing.
Design Notes: About any designs will work well. I like shallow checker designs because the color is usually on the saturated side
Design Links: Brilliant Pear - This is great for clear rough if you have a piece that will work…
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Demantoid Garnet Faceting
Idocrase Facet / Faceting Information
Opal Faceting Information
Fluorite Faceting Information
Latest Articles
21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
How Does Topaz Form?
Sphene (Titanite) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Citrine Buying Guide
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!