Black star diopside 2.60ct 9x7mm oval cabochon

An oval black diopside cabochon with a four-ray star and a slightly cool, blue-tinged sheen alongside the golden star rays, giving the stone a subtle two-tone quality to its silky bands. The star center sits near the upper portion of the dome rather than at the geometric center, a natural characteristic of this particular piece. Deep, opaque black body color throughout with good dome height and a glossy polish.

Asterism is a light phenomenon caused by the interaction of a direct light source with fine, aligned inclusions inside a gemstone — the needles act as tiny reflectors, collectively producing a luminous moving ray. Black diopside from Africa typically displays four rays, the result of two crossing families of rutile needle inclusions within the crystal. This piece carries no treatment.

• Stone type: Natural diopside
• Weight: 2.60 ct
• Size: 8.9x6.9 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.