Black star diopside 2.35ct 9x7mm oval cabochon

A compact oval black diopside cabochon with a four-ray star showing warm golden-toned arms. The star is fairly centered on the dome and carries a distinct warmth to the ray color. The stone has a deep, opaque black body color with a slight warm undertone visible alongside the silky star, and an evenly polished surface.

Asterism occurs when a gemstone's interior contains microscopic needle-like inclusions oriented in two or more crystallographic directions; under a direct light source these inclusions reflect light into a star visible across the surface of a polished cabochon. Black star diopside from Africa displays the effect in four rays, produced by two sets of rutile needles intersecting within the crystal. No treatment has been applied.

• Stone type: Natural diopside
• Weight: 2.35 ct
• Size: 9x7 mm
• Color: Black
• Phenomenon: Asterism (4-ray star)
• Cut: Oval cabochon
• Clarity: Opaque
• Treatment: Untreated
• Origin: Africa
• Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs)

Natural black star diopside, untreated, asterism, sold loose.