The facts
What star Diopside actually is
Mineralogically, star Diopside is diopside (pyroxene group) — CaMgSi₂O₆ with magnetite inclusions, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by near-black from iron; the four-rayed star comes from oriented magnetite or ilmenite needle inclusions. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.664–1.730 (spot ~1.68), and the specific gravity sits near 3.25–3.40; cleavage is distinct prismatic.
Where star Diopside comes from
The recognised sources are Tamil Nadu, India and Andhra Pradesh, India.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How star Diopside is treated
Untreated. Distinctive four-rayed star with one ray offset rather than the six rays of star corundum — a reliable quick identification. Inexpensive and widely available.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What star Diopside is confused with
The usual confusions are Star sapphire, Star garnet, Assembled star doublets and Black spinel.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.664–1.730 (spot ~1.68) and specific gravity 3.25–3.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What star Diopside is used for
Star Diopside is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Star Diopside is 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, with distinct prismatic 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 star Diopside costs
Indicative pricing for star Diopside is $1–20/ct.
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 star Diopside treated, and how?
Untreated. Distinctive four-rayed star with one ray offset rather than the six rays of star corundum — a reliable quick identification. Inexpensive and widely available.
Where does star Diopside come from?
Tamil Nadu, India and Andhra Pradesh, India. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is star Diopside hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6.5 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 star Diopside cost?
Indicatively $1–20/ct. 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 star Diopside confused with?
Most often Star sapphire, Star garnet, Assembled star doublets and Black spinel. A refractive index of 1.664–1.730 (spot ~1.68) and a specific gravity near 3.25–3.40 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for star diopside?
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 star diopside