How Do You Spell DIOPSIDE?

Pronunciation: [dɪˈɒpsa͡ɪd] (IPA)

The mineral "Diopside" is often mispronounced due to its counterintuitive spelling. The correct pronunciation is [daɪəpˌsaɪd], with stress on the second syllable. The "o" in "Diopside" is actually pronounced as a schwa sound /ə/ instead of "oh". The "e" at the end of the word is also silent. Diopside is a mineral belonging to the pyroxene group and is often found in crystalline rocks. Knowing the correct pronunciation of this mineral will help in accurately communicating about it in scientific and professional settings.

DIOPSIDE Meaning and Definition

1. Diopside is a mineral belonging to the pyroxene group, characterized by its monoclinic crystal structure and chemical formula MgCaSi2O6. It is named after the French mineralogist J.B.L. Diop de Senegal, who first identified and described the mineral in the early 19th century.

   Diopside typically occurs in metamorphic and igneous rocks, commonly as transparent to translucent prismatic crystals. It may also exist in granular or massive form, or as small grains in various rock types. The color of diopside can vary, ranging from pale green to dark green, brownish-green, or black. In rare cases, it may display a vibrant chrome-green color due to trace amounts of chromium.

   Diopside possesses a vitreous to pearly luster, and its hardness measures around 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It has a specific gravity of approximately 3.22 to 3.38, indicating its average density. The mineral exhibits two directions of perfect cleavage at approximately 87 and 93 degrees, which can aid in its identification.

   Due to its attractive green color and high transparency, diopside is commonly used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is often faceted into various cuts, such as rounds, ovals, or pear shapes, to enhance its inherent beauty. Diopside gemstones are sought after for their vibrant color and reasonable affordability. Additionally, diopside is utilized in the manufacturing of refractory materials, ceramics, and as a component in some geological research.

2. A mineral, a foliated variety of augite, occurring in various shades of greyish green.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DIOPSIDE

• siopside
• xiopside
• ciopside
• fiopside
• riopside
• eiopside
• duopside
• djopside
• dkopside
• doopside
• d9opside
• d8opside
• diipside
• dikpside
• dilpside
• dippside
• di0pside
• di9pside
• diooside

Etymology of DIOPSIDE

The word "Diopside" derives from the Greek word "diopsis", which means "two-faced" or "double appearance". This name was given to the mineral due to its unique ability to exhibit two different colors or appearances when viewed from different angles. The term was first used in scientific literature in the early 19th century to describe a mineral with this characteristic, which was later identified as a type of pyroxene and named Diopside.

Plural form of DIOPSIDE is DIOPSIDES