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Enstatite
Enstatite is inosilicate (orthopyroxene), Mg₂Si₂O₆. In the hand, it rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs brownish green and olive-brown. Brown-green stubby pyroxene with two cleavages meeting near 90°, the magnesium end of the family whose iron-rich shimmer form is bronzite. Mafic and ultramafic rocks worldwide; gem crystals from Myanmar, Tanzania; also a major meteorite mineral.
The geology.
Enstatite carries the formula Mg₂Si₂O₆. It belongs to the orthorhombic system. Its listing category is inosilicate (orthopyroxene).
It sits at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to pearly. Light behaviour is transparent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 3.2 to 3.3. The streak is white to gray. It breaks with two cleavages near 90°; uneven fracture.
Brown-green stubby pyroxene with two cleavages meeting near 90°, the magnesium end of the family whose iron-rich shimmer form is bronzite.
It turns up mostly as stubby prisms, cleavable masses, grains in mafic rock or faceted (rare).
The origins.
Mafic and ultramafic rocks worldwide; gem crystals from Myanmar, Tanzania; also a major meteorite mineral.
On value, the database notes: affordable; chrome-green gem material is a rarity.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, enstatite has little established lore; collectors know it best through its bronzite variety.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Brown-green stubby pyroxene with two cleavages meeting near 90°, the magnesium end of the family whose iron-rich shimmer form is bronzite.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Bronzite | Bronzite is enstatite's iron-bearing variety with golden schiller, see its own entry |
| Diopside | Diopside leans purer green and monoclinic; lab parsing is common |
| Hornblende | Amphibole cleavages meet at 56°/124°, not near 90° |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about enstatite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Near-right-angle cleavage intersections |
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it with effort |
| By eye | Often paired with olivine in dark rocks |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with two cleavages near 90°; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Mg₂Si₂O₆. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: 3.2 to 3.3. Streak: White to gray. Cleavage and fracture: Two cleavages near 90°; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Mafic and ultramafic rocks worldwide; gem crystals from Myanmar, Tanzania; also a major meteorite mineral.
What it gets confused with
Bronzite: Bronzite is enstatite's iron-bearing variety with golden schiller, see its own entry. Diopside: Diopside leans purer green and monoclinic; lab parsing is common. Hornblende: Amphibole cleavages meet at 56°/124°, not near 90°.
What it is worth
Affordable; chrome-green gem material is a rarity.
One more thing
An entire meteorite class, enstatite chondrites, is named for this mineral, and they're leading candidates for Earth's building blocks.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Enstatite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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