Like the alluring emerald, the recently-discovered gemstone chrome diopside boasts a mesmerizing deep green. This precious stone gets its color from the mineral chromium. It ranges in color from light, bright green to almost black, with color growing darker as the gem size increases. The clarity of chrome diopside ranges widely, from transparent to opaque.

 

Chrome diopside is mined almost exclusively in a region of Eastern Siberia known as Inagli—an area better known for its impressive diamond deposits. In recent years, deposits have also been found in Pakistan.

 

With a hardness of 5 to 6, chrome diopside should be worn with some caution. Remove jewelry before strenuous activities.