Mineral Guide · Trade name
Violan
Violan is a rare violet variety of diopside, valued for its unusual colour and for the natural variation revealed when it is cut and polished.
Mineral properties
- Formula
Mineral Guide · Trade name
Violan is a rare violet variety of diopside, valued for its unusual colour and for the natural variation revealed when it is cut and polished.
Violan is a violet variety of diopside, a calcium-magnesium pyroxene. The name is used for material in which violet to purple colour is a defining visual feature. It is best described as a variety or trade material rather than as a separate mineral species.
Diopside has the formula CaMgSi2O6 and belongs to the pyroxene group. Violan is typically opaque to translucent and may show violet, lilac, grey or green areas. Fine grains, inclusions and changes in composition can produce a mottled or softly banded appearance.
Diopside forms in calcium- and magnesium-rich metamorphic rocks, skarns and some igneous environments. Violan is uncommon, so the locality and the geological setting are important parts of a reliable description.
Violan is selected for its cool violet tones and natural movement. In a mosaic, small plates can create shadows, petals, folds or atmospheric areas without relying on an artificial flat colour. The pattern changes with every cut and polish.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
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