monoclinic
Diopside
CaMgSi2O6
Quick Facts
Hardness
5.5
Specific Gravity
3.22
Refractive Index
1.675
Crystal Structure
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {100}@0.6 + {010}@0.5 + {001}@0.9 monoclinic
2/m
{110} {100} {010} {001}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Hardness (Mohs)5.5
Specific Gravity3.22
CleavageGood {110} at 87-93 degrees (characteristic pyroxene cleavage)
FractureUneven to conchoidal
LustreVitreous
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.675
Birefringence0.024-0.030
PleochroismWeak to strong dichroic (light green/dark green in chrome diopside)
Dispersion0.02
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Open in Playground monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {100}@0.6 + {010}@0.5 + {001}@0.9 Related Minerals
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