This work reports on the preparation and characterization of mesoporous nano diopside (CaMgSi2O6) using a simple and cost-effective sol-gel combustion route. Stoichiometric oxidant/fuel ratio was adopted for the combustion reaction. Eggshell was used as a calcium source, glycine (fuel) as reductant, magnesium nitrate and nitric acid as oxidant were used in the preparation. The thermal behavior of the precursor was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and heating microscopy. The temperature required for the transformation of the precursor into pure diopside was optimized at 1100 °C. Rietveld refinement method was utilized to confirm the phase purity of diopside. The resultant powder contains 36 nm particle with a specific surface area of 51 m2/g. The appearance of Ca, Mg, Si, and O peaks in EDX pattern confirmed the existence of essential elements. The rapid consumption of calcium and phosphorus ions from the simulated body fluid during dissolution indicated their involvement in apatite deposition on the surface of the nano diopside. FT-IR spectra showed that the Si[sbnd]O and Si[sbnd]O[sbnd]Si groups were replaced by phosphate bands due to hydroxyapatite deposition. The mechanical stability of the diopside after bioactivity studies was found to be superior to the cancellous bone. The release of alkaline earth ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) from the diopside sample into the bacterial culture medium increases the pH (7.4), which inhibits the bacterial growth. The surface properties, concentration, and type of bacteria are the other factors responsible for the antibacterial activity of the nano diopside. © 2019 The Society of Powder Technology Japan