Gemmological Characteristic and Colour Genesis of Golden Diopside

In order to analyze the gemmological characteristics, spectroscopic characteristics and the possible colour genesis of the golden diopside, some samples were tested by conventional gemmological tests, Raman spectrometer, Fourier infrared spectrometer(FTIR), UV-Vis spectrometer, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF) and LA-ICP-MS. The results showed that the main mineral of the samples is diopside, and they contain a variety of trace elements including Fe. The Fe element in the sapmples mainly exists in the form of Fe³⁺. And the Fe³⁺-O charge transfer at 450 nm, T position and the Fe³⁺ d-d transition at M1 position are the important cause of the colour of golden diopside.