Diopside with Graphite

Crystallised Diopside shifts to a much higher gear in the Merelani Hills mining district of north-eastern Tanzania, where it forms as magnificent crystals, frequently found with silvery-black Graphite. This fabulous specimen consists of translucent, light apple-green Diopside crystals with a brilliant glassy lustre, the largest measuring 3.0 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm. These sit on a matrix of metallic black foliated Graphite mixed with angular fragments of pale green Diopside. A delightful and excellent example of this species.