Black Stone with faint Chatoyancy

Chromium gives Diopside a Vivid Green

Diopside

From the Greek dis and opsis (double view) as many crystals are birefringent, i.e. if held to the eye they give a double image.

This silicate stone develops directly from the molten rock or magma and where limestone metaphors in iron rich ore deposits. Colour is dictated by the mineral ratio: the iron rich/magnesium poor stones are almost black, while those containing chromium are vivid green.

The chatoyancy of some black stones forms a cross, some ancient civilisations believed that they were watched by spirits through these crosses.