VDiop102 - V, Cr Rich Diopside - Block D, Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Arusha Region, Namibia

Sharp, lustrous, translucent to transparent gem crystal of vanadium and chromium-rich diopside from Merelani. The diopside crystal has a rich, vibrant green apple color. This is a top-quality crystal with a superb termination and best color from the 2006 find. 2.0 x 1.5 x 1.4 cm.

For more information on this locality, please see the superb article by John Jaszczak and Daniel Trinchillo in Rocks and Minerals, Vol. 88, Issue 2 (the abstract can be found here).