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the variety of Garnet known as Hessonite, and with Mica. In chemical composition it is a calcium magnesium metasilicate, 
usually with a variable amount of iron, that with the greater amount
being darker in colour and of greater density. Diopside was originally
found at the Mussa Alp, in the Ala valley in Piedmont, hence the names
Alalite and Mussite. It is also
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found
at the Schwarzenstein Alp, in the Tyrol, and at De Kalb, in New York
State. When cut as a gem the clear green transparent forms are used,
and they are either step or table cut. They are chiefly used in the
countries where the mineral is found. It is rather difficult to
distinguish from Olivine, but Diopside is the softer mineral of the
two. The green Chrysoberyl and green Idocrase are both denser than
Diopside, while Tourmaline and Epidote are more
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