Diopside
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Robert M. Hazen
About Diopside
Formula:
CaMgSi2O6
Colour:
Light to dark green, blue, brown, colourless, snow white, grey, pale violet
Lustre:
Vitreous, Dull
Hardness:
5½ - 6½
Specific Gravity:
3.22 - 3.38
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1806 by Rene Just HaĂŒy from the Greek ÎŽÎčÏ- for "double" (or even better for "twice") and ÏÏÎčÏ" (or "áœÏÎčÏ" in ancient Greek) - for "appearance", in allusion to two possible orientations of the prism zone.
see also https://www.mindat.org/mesg-588879.html
see also https://www.mindat.org/mesg-588879.html
Pyroxene Group - Clinopyroxene Subgroup; see also the Diopside-Hedenbergite Series, and the Diopside-Johannsenite Series.
One of the most common members of the pyroxene group. Often occurs in metamorphosed limestones (marbles) as generally pale greenish to greyish green crystals, masses and blebs/grains associated with humite-group minerals, spinel, phlogopite, tremolite and grossular. Can also be pure white and not distinguishable from the enclosing carbonate. Often fluorescent bright powder blue.
May incorporate OH groups (e.g., Yang et al., 2015).
The Ca analogue of the CuMg-clinopyroxene ryabchikovite.
Compare UM2003-36-SiO:CaNa.
One of the most common members of the pyroxene group. Often occurs in metamorphosed limestones (marbles) as generally pale greenish to greyish green crystals, masses and blebs/grains associated with humite-group minerals, spinel, phlogopite, tremolite and grossular. Can also be pure white and not distinguishable from the enclosing carbonate. Often fluorescent bright powder blue.
May incorporate OH groups (e.g., Yang et al., 2015).
The Ca analogue of the CuMg-clinopyroxene ryabchikovite.
Compare UM2003-36-SiO:CaNa.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Diopside.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1294
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1294:8
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
38f92552-c590-4af0-ab3a-0dda7f30f8e8
Classification of Diopside
Diopside and its relation to other pyroxenes (after Morimoto et al., 1989)
Previous petrological nomenclature of clinopyroxenes from basaltic magmas (after Poldervaart & Hess, 1951)
IMA Classification of Diopside
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
9.DA.15
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
A : Inosilicates with 2-periodic single chains, Si2O6; pyroxene family
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
A : Inosilicates with 2-periodic single chains, Si2O6; pyroxene family
65.1.3a.1
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
1 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
1 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2
14.6.12
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
6 : Silicates of Ca with alkali or Mg or both
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
6 : Silicates of Ca with alkali or Mg or both
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMAâCNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMAâCNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Di | IMAâCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Di | Kretz (1983) | Kretz, R. (1983) Symbols of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 68, 277â279. |
Di | Siivolam & Schmid (2007) | Siivolam, J. and Schmid, R. (2007) Recommendations by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Metamorphic Rocks: List of mineral abbreviations. Web-version 01.02.07. IUGS Commission on the Systematics in Petrology. download |
Di | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185â187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
Di | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Di | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261â264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Diopside
Vitreous, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Opaque
Colour:
Light to dark green, blue, brown, colourless, snow white, grey, pale violet
Comment:
Variable colours are caused by trace to minor contents of Fe (common), Mn, Ti, V, Cr.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5½ - 6½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
on {110}
on {110}
Parting:
on {100} and probably {010}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
3.22 - 3.38 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.278 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Diopside
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.663 - 1.699 nβ = 1.671 - 1.705 nγ = 1.693 - 1.728
2V:
Measured: 58° to 63°, Calculated: 56° to 64°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.030
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
High
Dispersion:
weak to distinct r > v
Optical Extinction:
Y = b; Z ⧠c = -38° on (010); X ⧠a = -22°.
Chemistry of Diopside
Mindat Formula:
CaMgSi2O6
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Fe,V,Cr,Mn,Zn,Al,Ti,Na,K
Crystallography of Diopside
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.746 Å, b = 8.899 Å, c = 5.251 Å
β = 105.79°
β = 105.79°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.095 : 1 : 0.59
Unit Cell V:
438.23 Ă
Âł (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Prismatic crystals with square cross sections.
Twinning:
Simple or multiple twins on {100} or {010} common.
Crystallographic forms of Diopside
Crystal Atlas:
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0000340 | Diopside | Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 | 1973 | 0 | 297 | ||
0000341 | Diopside | Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 | 1973 | 0 | 673 | ||
0000342 | Diopside | Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 | 1973 | 0 | 973 | ||
0000343 | Diopside | Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 | 1973 | 0 | 1123 | ||
0000344 | Diopside | Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 | 1973 | 0 | 1273 | ||
0000517 | Diopside | Finger L W, Ohashi Y (1976) The thermal expansion of diopside to 800 C and a refinement of the crystal structure at 700 C American Mineralogist 61 303-310 | 1976 | 0 | 973 | ||
0000805 | Diopside | Gordon W A, Peacor D R, Brown P E, Essene E J, Allard L F (1981) Exsolution relationships in a clinopyroxene of average composition Ca0.43Mn0.69Mg0.82Si2O6: X-ray diffraction and analytical electron microscopy American Mineralogist 66 127-141 | 1981 | 0 | 293 | ||
0000811 | Diopside | Levien L, Prewitt C T (1981) High-pressure structural study of diopside pyroxene American Mineralogist 66 315-323 | 1981 | 0 | 293 | ||
0000812 | Diopside | Levien L, Prewitt C T (1981) High-pressure structural study of diopside pyroxene American Mineralogist 66 315-323 | 1981 | 2.36 | 293 | ||
0000813 | Diopside | Levien L, Prewitt C T (1981) High-pressure structural study of diopside pyroxene American Mineralogist 66 315-323 | 1981 | 3.52 | 293 | ||
0000814 | Diopside | Levien L, Prewitt C T (1981) High-pressure structural study of diopside pyroxene American Mineralogist 66 315-323 | 1981 | 4.55 | 293 | ||
0000815 | Diopside | Levien L, Prewitt C T (1981) High-pressure structural study of diopside pyroxene American Mineralogist 66 315-323 | 1981 | 5.3 | 293 | ||
0001333 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Crystal chemistry of synthetic pyroxenes on the join CaNiSi2O6-CaMgSi2O6 (diopside): A Rietveld refinement study sample Ni100, CaNiSi2O6 American Mineralogist 75 1274-1281 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001334 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Crystal chemistry of synthetic pyroxenes on the join CaNiSi2O6-CaMgSi2O6 (diopside): A Rietveld refinement study sample Ni80, CaNi.74Mg.26Si2O6 American Mineralogist 75 1274-1281 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001335 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Crystal chemistry of synthetic pyroxenes on the join CaNiSi2O6-CaMgSi2O6 (diopside): A Rietveld refinement study sample Ni50, CaNi.45Mg.55Si2O6 American Mineralogist 75 1274-1281 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001336 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Crystal chemistry of synthetic pyroxenes on the join CaNiSi2O6-CaMgSi2O6 (diopside): A Rietveld refinement study sample Ni25, CaNi.22Mg.78Si2O6 American Mineralogist 75 1274-1281 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001337 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Crystal chemistry of synthetic pyroxenes on the join CaNiSi2O6-CaMgSi2O6 (diopside): A Rietveld refinement study sample Ni0, CaMgSi2O6 American Mineralogist 75 1274-1281 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001362 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SRV 4, Di90Jd05, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001363 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 7P, Di78Jd18, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001364 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 37, Di71Jd20, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001365 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 34, Di62Jd24, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001366 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 3H, Di64Jd26, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001367 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 39, Di52Jd27, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001368 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 25, Di55Jd30, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001369 | Diopside | Oberti R, Caporuscio F A (1991) Crystal chemistry of clinopyroxenes from mantle eclogites: A study of the key role of the M2 site population by means of crystal-structure refinement sample SBB 61, Di47Jd40, diopside - jadeite join American Mineralogist 76 1141-1152 | 1991 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001667 | Diopside | Bertolo S, Nimis P, Dal Negro A (1994) Low-Ca augite from experimental alkali basalt at 18 kbar: Structural variation near the miscibility gap Atomic parameters from ICSD American Mineralogist 79 668-674 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001796 | Diopside | Harlow G E (1996) Structure refinement of a natural K-rich diopside: The effect of K on the average structure American Mineralogist 81 632-638 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0002807 | Diopside | Secco L, Martignago F, Dal Negro A, Reznitskii L Z, Sklyarov E V (2002) Crystal chemistry of Cr-V-rich clinopyroxenes Sample 2 American Mineralogist 87 709-714 | 2002 | 0 | 293 | ||
0002810 | Diopside | Secco L, Martignago F, Dal Negro A, Reznitskii L Z, Sklyarov E V (2002) Crystal chemistry of Cr-V-rich clinopyroxenes Sample 5 American Mineralogist 87 709-714 | 2002 | 0 | 293 | ||
0002811 | Diopside | Secco L, Martignago F, Dal Negro A, Reznitskii L Z, Sklyarov E V (2002) Crystal chemistry of Cr-V-rich clinopyroxenes Sample 6 American Mineralogist 87 709-714 | 2002 | 0 | 293 | ||
0004146 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 0 | 293 | ||
0004147 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 0 | 293 | ||
0004148 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 0.46 | 293 | ||
0004149 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 2.45 | 293 | ||
0004150 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 5.36 | 293 | ||
0004151 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 8.11 | 293 | ||
0004152 | Diopside | Bindi L, Downs R T, Harlow G E, Safonov O G, Litvin Y A, Perchuk L L, Uchida H, Menchetti S (2006) Compressibility of synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene: In situ high-pressure single-crystal X-ray study American Mineralogist 91 802-808 | 2006 | 9.72 | 293 | ||
0004495 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 0 | 293 | |
0004496 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 0.13 | 293 | |
0004497 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 2.32 | 293 | |
0004498 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 4.22 | 293 | |
0004499 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 5.11 | 293 | |
0004500 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 7.08 | 293 | |
0004501 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 8.01 | 293 | |
0004502 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 8.88 | 293 | |
0004503 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 9.5 | 293 | |
0004504 | Diopside | Thompson R M, Downs R T (2008) The crystal structure of diopside at pressure to 10 GPa American Mineralogist 93 177-186 | 2008 | DeKalb, New York | 10.16 | 293 | |
0005234 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Evaluation of the Rietveld method for the characterization of fine-grained products of the mineral synthesis: the diopside-hedenbergite join The Canadian Mineralogist 28 93-109 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005235 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Evaluation of the Rietveld method for the characterization of fine-grained products of the mineral synthesis: the diopside-hedenbergite join The Canadian Mineralogist 28 93-109 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005236 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Evaluation of the Rietveld method for the characterization of fine-grained products of the mineral synthesis: the diopside-hedenbergite join The Canadian Mineralogist 28 93-109 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005237 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Evaluation of the Rietveld method for the characterization of fine-grained products of the mineral synthesis: the diopside-hedenbergite join The Canadian Mineralogist 28 93-109 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005238 | Diopside | Raudsepp M, Hawthorne F C, Turnock A C (1990) Evaluation of the Rietveld method for the characterization of fine-grained products of the mineral synthesis: the diopside-hedenbergite join The Canadian Mineralogist 28 93-109 | 1990 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005384 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005385 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005386 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005387 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005388 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005389 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005390 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005391 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005392 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005393 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005394 | Diopside | Liang J, Hawthorne F C (1994) Characterization of fine-grained mixtures of rock-forming minerals by Rietveld structure refinement: olivine + pyroxene The Canadian Mineralogist 32 541-552 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0005645 | Diopside | Prencipe M, Tribaudino M, Pavese A, Hoser A, Reehuis M (2000) A single-crystal neutron-diffraction investigation of diopside at 10 K The Canadian Mineralogist 38 183-189 | 2000 | 0 | 10 | ||
0005694 | Diopside | Herd C D K, Peterson R C, Rossman G R (2000) Violet-colored diopside from Southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada The Canadian Mineralogist 38 1193-1199 | 2000 | Southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada | 0 | 293 | |
0006051 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Nestola F, Meneghini C (2005) Rietveld refinement of clinopyroxenes with intermediate Ca-content along the join diopside-enstatite The Canadian Mineralogist 43 1411-1421 | 2005 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0006052 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Nestola F, Meneghini C (2005) Rietveld refinement of clinopyroxenes with intermediate Ca-content along the join diopside-enstatite The Canadian Mineralogist 43 1411-1421 | 2005 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0006053 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Nestola F, Meneghini C (2005) Rietveld refinement of clinopyroxenes with intermediate Ca-content along the join diopside-enstatite The Canadian Mineralogist 43 1411-1421 | 2005 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0006341 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006342 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006343 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006344 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006346 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006347 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006348 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006349 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006350 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006351 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006352 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006353 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006354 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006355 | Diopside | Dal Negro A, Manoli S, Secco L, Piccirillo E M (1989) Megacrystic clinopyroxenes from Victoria (Australia): Crystal chemical comparisons of pyroxenes from high and low pressure regimes European Journal of Mineralogy 1 105-121 | 1989 | Victoria, Australia | 0 | 293 | |
0006528 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Molin G M, Bruno E (1994) Effect of Al on enstatite solubility in CMAS clinopyroxenes: 2 - Crystal chemical considerations European Journal of Mineralogy 6 77-86 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006529 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Molin G M, Bruno E (1994) Effect of Al on enstatite solubility in CMAS clinopyroxenes: 2 - Crystal chemical considerations European Journal of Mineralogy 6 77-86 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006530 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Molin G M, Bruno E (1994) Effect of Al on enstatite solubility in CMAS clinopyroxenes: 2 - Crystal chemical considerations European Journal of Mineralogy 6 77-86 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006531 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Molin G M, Bruno E (1994) Effect of Al on enstatite solubility in CMAS clinopyroxenes: 2 - Crystal chemical considerations European Journal of Mineralogy 6 77-86 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006532 | Diopside | Tribaudino M, Molin G M, Bruno E (1994) Effect of Al on enstatite solubility in CMAS clinopyroxenes: 2 - Crystal chemical considerations European Journal of Mineralogy 6 77-86 | 1994 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006580 | Diopside | Comodi P, Princivalle F, Tirone M, Zanazzi P F (1995) Comparative compressibility of clinopyroxenes from mantle nodules European Journal of Mineralogy 7 141-149 | 1995 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006581 | Diopside | Comodi P, Princivalle F, Tirone M, Zanazzi P F (1995) Comparative compressibility of clinopyroxenes from mantle nodules European Journal of Mineralogy 7 141-149 | 1995 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006622 | Diopside | Tribaudino M (1996) High-temperature crystal chemistry of C2/c clinopyroxenes along the join CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2SiO6 European Journal of Mineralogy 8 273-279 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006623 | Diopside | Tribaudino M (1996) High-temperature crystal chemistry of C2/c clinopyroxenes along the join CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2SiO6 European Journal of Mineralogy 8 273-279 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006624 | Diopside | Tribaudino M (1996) High-temperature crystal chemistry of C2/c clinopyroxenes along the join CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2SiO6 European Journal of Mineralogy 8 273-279 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006625 | Diopside | Tribaudino M (1996) High-temperature crystal chemistry of C2/c clinopyroxenes along the join CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2SiO6 European Journal of Mineralogy 8 273-279 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006626 | Diopside | Tribaudino M (1996) High-temperature crystal chemistry of C2/c clinopyroxenes along the join CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2SiO6 European Journal of Mineralogy 8 273-279 | 1996 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006695 | Diopside | Kabalov Y K, Oeckler O, Sokolova E V, Mironov A B, Chesnokov B V (1997) Subsilicic ferrian aluminian diopside from the Chelyabinsk coal basin (Southern Urals) - an unusual clinopyroxene European Journal of Mineralogy 9 617-621 | 1997 | Chelyabinsk coal basin, Southern Urals | 0 | 293 | |
0006718 | Diopside | Redhammer G J (1998) Mossbauer spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement on synthetic ferri-Tschermak's molecule CaFe3+(Fe3+Si)O6 substituted diopside European Journal of Mineralogy 10 439-452 | 1998 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006719 | Diopside | Redhammer G J (1998) Mossbauer spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement on synthetic ferri-Tschermak's molecule CaFe3+(Fe3+Si)O6 substituted diopside European Journal of Mineralogy 10 439-452 | 1998 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006720 | Diopside | Redhammer G J (1998) Mossbauer spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement on synthetic ferri-Tschermak's molecule CaFe3+(Fe3+Si)O6 substituted diopside European Journal of Mineralogy 10 439-452 | 1998 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006721 | Diopside | Redhammer G J (1998) Mossbauer spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement on synthetic ferri-Tschermak's molecule CaFe3+(Fe3+Si)O6 substituted diopside European Journal of Mineralogy 10 439-452 | 1998 | 0 | 293 | ||
0006722 | Diopside | Redhammer G J (1998) Mossbauer spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement on synthetic ferri-Tschermak's molecule CaFe3+(Fe3+Si)O6 substituted diopside European Journal of Mineralogy 10 439-452 | 1998 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Image Loading
Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
2.991 Ă | (100) |
2.528 Ă | (40) |
2.893 Ă | (30) |
2.518 Ă | (30) |
3.23 Ă | (25) |
2.952 Ă | (25) |
1.625 Ă | (25) |
Comments:
Schwartzenstein, Austria, ICDD 11-654.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 2: Planetesimal differentiation and alteration | 4.566-4.550 |
6 : Secondary asteroid phases | 4.566-4.560 |
Stage 3a: Earthâs earliest Hadean crust | >4.50 |
7 : Ultramafic igneous rocks | |
Stage 4a: Earthâs earliest continental crust | >4.4-3.0 |
20 : Acidic volcanic rocks | |
High-đ alteration and/or metamorphism | |
31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations | |
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks | |
37 : Layered igneous intrusions and related PGE minerals | |
Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
38 : Ophiolites | |
40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies) | |
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) |
Type Occurrence of Diopside
Synonyms of Diopside
Other Language Names for Diopside
Basque:Diopsido
Croatian:Diopsid
Dutch:Diopsied
Esperanto:Diopsido
Finnish:Diopsidi
French:Diopside
Cyclopéite
Cyclopéite
Hebrew:ŚŚŚŚ€ŚĄŚŚ
Hungarian:Diopszid
Italian:Diopside
Japanese:éèŒçł
Polish:Diopsyd
Portuguese:DiĂłpsido
Romanian:Diopsid
Russian:ĐĐžĐŸĐżŃОЎ
Simplified Chinese:éèŸçł
æŹĄéèŸçł
æŹĄéèŸçł
Slovak:Diopsid
Swedish:Diopsid
Ukrainian:ĐŃĐŸĐżŃОЎ
Varieties of Diopside
Baikalite | A morphological variety of ferroan diopside, approaching 'salite'. Originally described in the 19th century from the Slyudyanka phlogopite mines area, Lake Baikal, Irkutskaya Oblast', Transbaikalia (Zabaykalye), Eastern-Siberian Region, Russia. |
Blue Diopside | Usually granular diopside forming monomineral zones in magnesium skarns in some regions of Prebaikalie. Nature of blue colouration is uneven. |
Canaanite | A white variety of diopside. |
Chromium-bearing Diopside | A green, Cr-bearing variety of diopside. |
Diallage | A variety (diopside-hedenbergite-augite solid-solution member of the pyroxene group) specifically showing prominent {001} parting and originally supposed to be a distinct species. Occasional misidentifications included orthopyroxene, e.g Metalloidal Diall... |
Lavrovite | A green vanadium-bearing variety of diopside. Not to be confused with laverovite. |
Leucaugite | A variety of diopside noted for white to tan coloration and with a distinct platy character and somewhat rhombic appearance. |
Maclurite (of Nuttall and Torrey) | Seybert (1822):"bears a strong resemblance to hypersthene" "The color of this mineral in the mass, is dark brown, approaching to brownish black; when pulverized is grey; luster metallic. Slightly translucent of the edges. Form [of crystals] indeterminate.... |
Salite | An obsolete name for a clinopyroxene that would now be classified as an Fe-bearing variety of diopside, i.e. with Mg>Fe. |
Schefferite | A brown Mn(II)-bearing variety of diopside that frequently shows pronounced parting (IMA Subcommittee on Pyroxenes 1988). Originally described from Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden. |
Ti Salite | A probably unnecessary name for a Ti- and Fe-bearing diopside. |
Titanium-bearing Diopside | A Ti-bearing variety of diopside. |
Traversellite | Occasionally alters to amphibole, and pseudomorphs amphibole. Originally reported from Traversella Mine, Traversella, Chiusella Valley, Canavese District, Torino Province, Piedmont, Italy. |
Violan | Purple to blue-purple diopside or omphacite coloured by manganese. Note that mauve-coloured diopside, owing its colour to titanium, is not violan. Because of the bright purple colour, violan is probably Mn3+-bearing and not Mn2+-bearing. Compare johannse... |
Zinc-Schefferite | A brown Zn- and Mn-bearing diopside. |
Relationship of Diopside to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Aegirine-augite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Burnettite | CaVAlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Clinoenstatite | MgSiO3 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Clinoferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Colomeraite | NaTi3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Davisite | CaScAlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Esseneite | CaFe3+[AlSiO6] | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Grossmanite | CaTi3+ AlSiO6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Hedenbergite | CaFe2+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Jadeite | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Jervisite | NaSc3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Johannsenite | CaMn2+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Kanoite | Mn2+(Mg,Mn2+)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Kosmochlor | NaCrSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Kushiroite | CaAl[AlSiO6] | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Namansilite | NaMn3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Natalyite | NaV3+Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Omphacite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(AleFe3+fFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m |
Petedunnite | Ca(Zn,Mn2+,Mg,Fe2+)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Pigeonite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Ryabchikovite | CuMgSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Spodumene | LiAlSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Tissintite | (Ca,Na,â»)AlSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
UM2001-19-SiO:AlCaMgNa | (Na,Mg,Ca)(Mg,Al)Si2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
UM2003-36-SiO:CaNa | NaCrSi2O6 - CaMgSi2O6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
992 photos of Diopside associated with Grossular | Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 |
570 photos of Diopside associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
299 photos of Diopside associated with Hessonite | Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 |
298 photos of Diopside associated with Clinochlore | Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 |
266 photos of Diopside associated with Epidote | (CaCa)(AlAlFe3+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
241 photos of Diopside associated with Vesuvianite | Ca19Fe3+Al4(Al6Mg2)(â»4)â»[Si2O7]4[(SiO4)10]O(OH)9 |
173 photos of Diopside associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
155 photos of Diopside associated with Titanite | CaTi(SiO4)O |
137 photos of Diopside associated with Andradite | Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3 |
117 photos of Diopside associated with Phlogopite | KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
9.DA. | Protoenstatite | Mg2Si2O6 |
9.DA. | Ryabchikovite | CuMgSi2O6 |
9.DA. | Colomeraite | NaTi3+Si2O6 |
9.DA.05 | Donpeacorite | (Mn,Mg)MgSi2O6 |
9.DA.05 | Enstatite | Mg2Si2O6 |
9.DA.05 | Ferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 |
9.DA.10 | Clinoenstatite | MgSiO3 |
9.DA.10 | Clinoferrosilite | Fe2+2Si2O6 |
9.DA.10 | Kanoite | Mn2+(Mg,Mn2+)Si2O6 |
9.DA.10 | Pigeonite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 | Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 | Esseneite | CaFe3+[AlSiO6] |
9.DA.15 | Hedenbergite | CaFe2+Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 va | Jeffersonite | Ca(Mn,Zn,Fe)Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 | Johannsenite | CaMn2+Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 | Petedunnite | Ca(Zn,Mn2+,Mg,Fe2+)Si2O6 |
9.DA.15 | Davisite | CaScAlSiO6 |
9.DA.15 | Kushiroite | CaAl[AlSiO6] |
9.DA.15 | Grossmanite | CaTi3+ AlSiO6 |
9.DA.20 | Aegirine-augite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 |
9.DA.20 | Omphacite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(AleFe3+fFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Jadeite | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Jervisite | NaSc3+Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Kosmochlor | NaCrSi2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Namansilite | NaMn3+Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Natalyite | NaV3+Si2O6 |
9.DA.25 | Tissintite | (Ca,Na,â»)AlSi2O6 |
9.DA.30 | Spodumene | LiAlSi2O6 |
9.DA.35 | Hiroseite | FeSiO3 |
Fluorescence of Diopside
Bright blue-white (white coloured material) (SW UV)
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Diopside in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Diopside
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1294.html
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References for Diopside
Reference List:
Su, Chang, Fan, Dawei, Jiang, Jiyi, Sun, Zhenjun, Liu, Yonggang, Song, Wei, Wan, Yongge, Yang, Guang, Qiu, Wuxueying (2021) Self-Consistent Thermodynamic Parameters of Diopside at High Temperatures and High Pressures: Implications for the Adiabatic Geotherm of an Eclogitic Upper Mantle. Minerals, 11 (12) 1322 doi:10.3390/min11121322
Localities for Diopside
Locality List
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Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania