Enstatite

Enstatite is one of the pyroxene family members of crystal. These are a series of magnesium- to iron-rich silicates. An enstatite crystal occurs as a short prism but is rare. It is common to cut gem-quality material from rolled pebbles. The clean material varies in color from a grey- to yellowish-green or olive-green, to an iron-rich brownish-green. A brilliant emerald-green variety, colored by chromium, also occurs.

When cut en cabochon, some an enstatite gem may show a cat’s-eye effect. It is common to find the rough stone as massive, fibrous material and has an uneven fracture.

Occurrence

Enstatite is found with kimberlites in South Africa. Brownish green enstatite is found in Norway, Maynmar (Burma), and California (USA). Some Indian and Sri Lankan enstatite is chatoyant. It also occurs in Japan, Scotland, Greenland, Switzerland, the USA, and the former USSR.

Enstatite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.27
• Refractive Index: 1.66-1.67
• Birefringence (DR): 0.010
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
• Composition: Magnesium iron silicate
• Hardness: 5½

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