As A Gem
Gemstone quality diopside is found in two forms: the black star diopside and the chrome diopside (which includes chromium, giving it a rich green colour). At 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, chrome diopside is relatively soft to scratch. The Mohs scale of hardness does not measure tensile strength or resistance to fracture.
Violane is a manganese-rich variety of diopside, violet to light blue in colour.
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—Honoré De Balzac (1799–1850)