enstatiit

Enstatite is a common pyroxene mineral with the chemical formula MgSiO3. It is typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in stony meteorites. Enstatite is characterized by its green to brown color and its prismatic crystal structure. It is named after the German mineralogist Gustav Rose, who first described the mineral in 1808.

Enstatite is a member of the pyroxene group, which includes other minerals such as diopside and augite. The pyroxene group is characterized by its single-chain silicate structure, which is different from the double-chain structure of amphiboles. Enstatite is orthorhombic in crystal structure, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.

Enstatite is often found in association with other minerals such as olivine, plagioclase, and magnetite. It is also found in some lunar rocks, which has led to its use as a reference material for understanding the composition of the Moon's mantle. Enstatite is also used in some industrial applications, such as in the production of refractory materials and in the manufacture of glass.

Enstatite is a relatively common mineral, but it is not typically sought after for its aesthetic value. Its primary importance lies in its geological significance and its use in various industrial applications. Despite its relatively simple chemical composition, enstatite plays a crucial role in understanding the processes that shape the Earth and other planetary bodies.