Chromian Diopside

This is a classic, old-time specimen of rich green, chromium-bearing diopside crystals from Outokumpu, Finland. The diopside crystals are partially encased in a matrix of white marble, with dark green, coarse prismatic crystals embedded in quartz and calcite. While many of the crystals are incomplete and not fully terminated, some display distinct crystal faces. Despite the incomplete nature of some of the crystals, the rich green colour and association with the marble matrix make this specimen a fine example of chromium-bearing diopside from this historic locality.

Collected by Gunnar Bjareby in 1965, and gifted to Dr. Tarassoff. Gunnar Bjareby (1899-1967), was inducted into the Micromounters Hall of Fame in 1985, was a pioneering micromounter with roots in Sweden. A professional artist, he became fascinated by the beauty of crystallized minerals visible only under a microscope. Gunnar was instrumental in founding the Micromounters of New England. His contributions to the field include a series of articles in Rocks and Minerals magazine and extensive correspondence, often featuring his detailed colour drawings of mineral specimens. In recognition of his impact, the mineral bjarebyite was named in his honour in 1973. His micromount collection, comprising over 1,000 species, was donated to the University of Chicago.

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