Diopside

Introduction: Diopside crystals are prismati, with two possible views of its form. Dis is Greek for 'double' and opsis means 'view'. Crystals are either colourless, white or grey, but can be green, black or brown. It occurs in carbonatites.

Distribution: Gibeon-Brukkaros area and common in the skarn deposits at Ais dome and in the Otjiwarongo region.

Composition: Silicate

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Lustre: Dull, vitreous

Streak: Grey, white

Hardness: 5.5-6.5