Enstatite. It is a mineral of the group of silicates , inosilicate subgroup and within them it belongs to pyroxenes . Although the term Hiperstena has been debunked by the IMA in 1998 , it is still in use by many reference guides and is labeled as such in enstatita collections. Many specimens of this mineral are transparent, where the iron content is responsible for the darker colors and opacity.
Summary
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- 1 Name
- 2 Features
- 3 Training
- 4 Deposits
- 5 Sources
Name
Its name derives from the Greek enstates, which means opponent, because it is refractory. Very rarely used Spanish synonyms are amblistegita, chladnita, enstadita, ficinita, paulita, peckamita, protobastita, shepardita or victorita.
characteristics
- Formula: MgSiO3
- Crystallization system: Trigonal
- Luster: Vitreous – Pearl
- Color: Yellowish green, white, gray, greenish white or brown.
- Hardness: 5.5
- Rarity: extended
- Distinctive characteristics: Color, crystalline habit, hardness, cleavage, refractive index and brightness.
- Group of minerals: Enstatite Group
Training
It forms in mafic igneous rocks , such as serpentinitic and peridotitic , provided they have little iron. But since it is normal for igneous rocks to have an abundance of iron, enstatite is more common in high-grade metamorphic rocks called granulites, where it appears due to alteration of the antophyllite mineral. Associated minerals in these rocks are augite, feldspars and certain types of garnet. It has also been found in some iron-rich meteorites.
Deposits
Important deposits are found in New York , Colorado and many other locations in the United States , as well as in India and Tanzania . In Spain it has been found in ultrabasic rocks in the Ronda mountains and in Marbella ( Malaga ).
