Alternative Names: None
Origin: Russia
Mineral Species: Diopside, Pyroxene Family
Mineral Group: Silicates
Chemical Formula: CaMg(Si2O6)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Colour: White, pale to dark green, violet blue, brown to black
Typical Appearance: Usually as crystalline masses, rarely as prismatic crystals with a square cross-section.
Birthstone: Virgo
Chakra Alignment: All, Particularly Third Eye, Crown and Upper Crown
Element: None
Origin of Name & Mythology: From the Greek for "double" and "appearance," in allusion to two possible orientations of the prism zone.
Diopside is protecting, but not necessarily grounding, and is a very important stone in meditation, Shamanic journeying and trance work, as it can induce a trance or meditative state almost immediately, while keeping one safe. In trance work, it can give you the confidence to step back and allow your Guide to enter. It is not particularly useful in physical or emotional healing, but in some systems is used to prevent muscular spasms in athletes.
Colour: Emerald to dark green
Chromian Diopside is balancing, calming as well as mood-lifting, and allows one to experience love while retaining a sense of detachment. It aids the immune system, and strengthens and opens the heart on both a physical and emotional level. It can be used to facilitate meditation. Physically, it can act as a pain reliever, help repair damage to tendons and ligaments, and calm IBS.
