Minerals & Gemstone 480x104
wpdiamonds.com



Advertising Information

Gemmy Enstatite Crystal

The Mineral enstatite




Enstatite forms series with the rare mineral Ferrosillite (Fe2Si2O6). Pure Enstatite (without any at all iron) is not common, and pure Ferrosillite (without any magnesium) is extremely rare. A common intermediary member of this series is known as Hypersthene, with a chemical formula of (Mg,Fe)2Si2O6. Although the term Hypersthene has been discredited by the IMA in 1998, it is still commonly used by many reference guides and is labeled as such in many collections.

Pure Enstatite is transparent and lightly colored; the iron content is responsible for the darker colors and increased opacity.
Chemical Formula Mg2Si2O6
Composition Magnesium silicate, often with significant iron impurities.
Variable Formula (Mg,Fe)Si2O6
Color Gray, green, dark yellow, yellow-brown, greenish-brown, brown, black
Streak Light brown to grayish-white
Hardness 5 - 6
Crystal System Orthorhombic
3D Crystal Atlas
(Click for animated model) 
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 As disordered aggregates of rectangular crystals. May also occur in single prismatic and stubby crystals, which may be well-terminated. Also as cleavage fragments, as platy groupings, fibrous masses, radiating, and lammelar. Crystals are partially hollow or dissolved in some localities.
Transparency Transparent to opaque
Specific Gravity 3.1 - 3.9
Luster Vitreous, silky, dull
Cleavage 1,2 - prismatic at cleavage angles of 87º and 93º
(Characteristic of minerals in the pyroxene group). May also exhibit parting in one direction.
Fracture Uneven
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Silicates; Inosilicates; Pyroxene Group
Striking Features Luster and cleavage angles
Environment As a rock-forming mineral in various igneous environment, and in metamorphosed Serpentine deposits. Also as a constituent of some meteorites.
Popularity (1-4) 3
Prevalence (1-3) 1
Demand (1-3) 2


Enstatite AUCTIONS

VARIETIES
 -  Dark brown or greenish-brown, weathered variety of Enstatite with a high luster. It often contains impurities of Hematite and Goethite, which are responsible for its bronze-like color sheen.
 -  Deep forest-green, chromium-rich variety of Enstatite.
 -  Iron-rich variety of Enstatite, which was historically classified as an individual mineral species until 1998, when it was discredited by the IMA. The chemical form of Hypersthene is (Mg,Fe)2Si2O6.
POLYMORPHS
Clinoenstatite


USES
The variety Bronzite is used as a minor gemstone. It often contains inclusions of highly reflective minerals, such as Hematite and Goethite, which give it a bronze-like effect when polished (hence its name). Polished Bronzite may also exhibit asterism or cat's eye effect.

NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
A classic Bronzite occurrence is the chrome mines of Kraubath, Styria, Austria. Small, transparent crystals come from Mont-Dore, Auvergne, France; and an exceptionally gemmy olive-green form comes from Mogok, Mynamar (Burma); and from the Kilosa District, Morogoro, Tanzania.

In the U.S., localities include the the Tilly Foster Mine, Brewster, Putnam Co., New York; Gore Mountain, Warren Co., New York; the Wood's Chrome Mine, Texas, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; Summit Rock, Klamath Co., Oregon; and Nain, Labrador, Canada. Good Bronzite comes from the Bare Hills, Baltimore Co., Maryland; and Webster, Jackson Co., North Carolina.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Biotite, Almandine, Quartz, Diopside, Labradorite, Magnetite, Chromite, Serpentine

DISTINGUISHING SIMILAR MINERALS
Hornblende - Different cleavage angles (otherwise difficult to distinguish).
Diopside and Augite - Very difficult to distinguish.


enstatite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
DISCUSSIONView Forum | Post to Forum
Have a question about Enstatite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
PAGE SPONSOR  

To sponsor this page, click here.

Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
 
 
 

 


 
Loading...