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
Opal Faceting Information
Cubic Zirconia Synthetic Facet / Faceting Rough
Bytownite Faceting Information
Helidore Facet / Faceting Information
Latest Articles
Classic Engagement Ring Stones
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gemstone Radiation Treatment
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!