Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombiccommonSilicates
Enstatite
MgSiO3
The image shows a blocky, brownish-green specimen of Enstatite, likely the bronzite variety, exhibiting a distinct sub-metallic to pearly luster. Its surface displays some striations or lamellar texture.
Enstatite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Good on {210}, distinct on {100} and {010}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.2Colors
white, gray, yellowish, greenish, brown, bronzeTransparency
translucentType Locality
Bare Hills Copper Mine (Smith Avenue Copper Mine), Bare Hills, Baltimore County, Maryland, USAMineral Group
SilicatesUses
collector, scientific research, gemstone (bronzite variety)Associated Minerals
olivine, plagioclase feldspar, augite, chromite, magnetiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Enstatite is a common mineral found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks such as peridotite, gabbro, and basalt, as well as in some metamorphic rocks and meteorites. It crystallizes from magnesium-rich magmas.
