The facts
What violane actually is
Mineralogically, violane is diopside (pyroxene group) — CaMgSi₂O₆ with Mn, crystallising in the monoclinic (massive aggregate) system.
The colour is caused by manganese giving a violet-blue. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.664–1.700 (spot ~1.68), and the specific gravity sits near 3.20–3.40; cleavage is not seen in the massive aggregate.
Where violane comes from
The recognised sources are Praborna Mine, Saint-Marcel, Aosta Valley, Italy and Bald Knob, North Carolina, USA.
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 violane is treated
Untreated. A massive ornamental diopside from a very small number of localities; sold as cabochons and inlay rather than faceted stones.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What violane is confused with
The usual confusions are Sugilite, Lapis lazuli, Charoite and Dyed serpentine.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.664–1.700 (spot ~1.68) and specific gravity 3.20–3.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What violane is used for
Violane is bought by carving and sculpture, decorative objects, 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 block, by the piece or by the carat.
Durability and care
Violane is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, with not seen in the massive aggregate 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 violane costs
Indicative pricing for violane is $2–40/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 violane treated, and how?
Untreated. A massive ornamental diopside from a very small number of localities; sold as cabochons and inlay rather than faceted stones.
Where does violane come from?
Praborna Mine, Saint-Marcel, Aosta Valley, Italy and Bald Knob, North Carolina, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is violane 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 violane cost?
Indicatively $2–40/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 violane confused with?
Most often Sugilite, Lapis lazuli, Charoite and Dyed serpentine. A refractive index of 1.664–1.700 (spot ~1.68) and a specific gravity near 3.20–3.40 separate it quickly.
What is violane used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for violane?
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 violane