1.6" Diopside Crystal Cluster - Afghanistan

Diopside is a pyroxene mineral with the chemical formula MgCaSi₂O₆. It is often found as small green crystals within metamorphic and igneous rocks, though it can vary in color including yellow, brown, and black. It is an important indicator rock when searching for deep-source volcanic pipes that may or may not contain diamonds. Geologists searching for these pipes often look for diopside crystal fragments, since they form in nearly the same atmospheric conditions and locations as diamonds. Diopside with deep green coloration is known as chrome diopside.