Black star diopside 2.65ct 9x7mm oval cabochon

An oval black cabochon with a four-ray star whose arms are relatively narrow and well-defined, creating a sharper-looking cross compared to some others in this collection. The star rays converge near the top-center of the dome, and there is some natural surface texture visible near the star intersection. Deep opaque black body color with a glassy mirror polish overall.

The star visible on this stone is an example of asterism, an optical effect that occurs when light interacts with fine parallel needle inclusions within a gemstone, causing each set of needles to scatter light along a single ray. Two crossing families of rutile inclusions within the diopside crystal produce one ray each at 90 degrees to the other, giving the characteristic four-pointed cross. No treatment has been applied to this stone.

• Stone type: Natural diopside
• Weight: 2.65 ct
• Size: 8.7x7 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.