The facts
What lavrovite actually is
The species behind lavrovite is pyroxene group (diopside variety), CaMgSi₂O₆ with V; it forms in the monoclinic system.
V³⁺, distinguishing it from the Cr³⁺ of chrome diopside is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.664–1.694 and a specific gravity of about 3.25–3.32, with distinct prismatic in two directions cleavage.
Where lavrovite comes from
Commercial material comes from Slyudyanka, Lake Baikal, Russia and Piedmont, Italy.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How lavrovite is treated
Untreated. A rare Russian collector material; most green diopside on the market is chrome diopside from Inagli, not lavrovite.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What lavrovite is confused with
Watch for Chrome diopside, Tsavorite and Emerald — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.664–1.694 and specific gravity 3.25–3.32 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What lavrovite is used for
The trades that buy lavrovite are mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Lavrovite is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, with distinct prismatic in two directions cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What lavrovite costs
Expect roughly Faceted stones 40–200 USD/ct; specimens 20–150 USD, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is lavrovite treated, and how?
Untreated. A rare Russian collector material; most green diopside on the market is chrome diopside from Inagli, not lavrovite.
Where does lavrovite come from?
Slyudyanka, Lake Baikal, Russia and Piedmont, Italy. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is lavrovite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does lavrovite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones 40–200 USD/ct; specimens 20–150 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is lavrovite confused with?
Most often Chrome diopside, Tsavorite and Emerald. A refractive index of 1.664–1.694 and a specific gravity near 3.25–3.32 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for lavrovite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about lavrovite