Diopside is a precursor of chrysotile (white asbestos) by hydrothermal alteration and magmatic differentiation.

Gemstone quality diopside is found in two forms: black star diopside and chrome diopside (which includes chromium, giving it a rich green color). At 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, chrome diopside is relatively soft to scratch. Due to the deep green color of the gem, they are sometimes referred to as Siberian emeralds

Chrome diopside can only be mined a few months out of the year due to the extreme weather conditions where this mineral is found - some of the coldest regions of northern Siberia.

As a gemstone it's very affordable considering that chrome diopside is a single source gemstone mined under extreme conditions.

The gemstone came to market after the fall of the Berlin wall.