Chrome Diopside

Chrome Diopside From Siberia .50 CT 

Chrome Diopside from Siberia is a vibrant, chromium-rich gemstone famed for its vivid, emerald-like green hue. First discovered in 1988 near the diamond-rich Inagli River in Russia's Sakha Republic (Yakutia), it is highly prized as an affordable, natural alternative to emeralds. 

Key Characteristics & Value

• Color: Ranges from a bright, spectral light green to a deep, forest green. 
• Carat Size: Because the color darkens as the crystal grows, most top-quality stones are cut under 3 carats. 
• Hardness: Measures 5.5 to 6.0 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than emeralds (7.5-8.0) and better suited for earrings, necklaces, and brooches rather than daily-wear rings. 
• Treatment: Siberian Chrome Diopside is almost always completely untreated.

The Mining Challenge

Siberia is the world's primary source for gem-quality chrome diopside. Because it is mined in one of the coldest inhabited regions on earth, the extreme winter conditions mean extraction can only safely take place during the brief summer months (June through August). This limited window results in a highly constrained global supply. 

Notable Monikers

Because of its rich color profile and location of origin, this gemstone is regularly traded under several alternative names, including: 

• Siberian Emerald
• Russian Emerald
• Vertelite
• Imperial Diopside