Enstatite

Enstatite
(From Tanzania. Weight: 1.05 carats)
Image © supplied by Woodmansee* Gems

Enstatite
(Weight: 2.10 carats)
Image © supplied by Woodmansee* Gems

Enstatite
(From Sri Lanka. Weight: 2.46 carats)
Image © supplied by Woodmansee* Gems

History & Etymology:

The first crystals of Enstatite were discovered in 1855. Enstatite derives its name from the enstates, a Greek word which literally translates into an opponent. Enstatite derived this name because of its high melting point. The IMA classifies Enstatite as a grandfathered mineral.

Occurrence:

Though Enstatite crystals are found in many localities across the world only two localities produce gemstone quality crystals of Enstatite. The best localities which produce gem quality crystals of Enstatite are Mbeya in Tanzania and Embilipituya in Sri Lanka.

In the localities across the world Enstatite is typically found in iron meteorites which have a stony texture. Enstatite belongs to the Orthopyroxene group which makes the mineral related to Bronzite. Hence similar to Bronzite, Enstatite has a high content of bronze which gives it its pale to dark bronze coloring. Dark green, almost black colored cat’s eye Enstatite crystals have been found in Sri Lanka. These crystals of Enstatite are extremely rare and regarded as the best quality gemstones of Enstatite.

Properties:

Enstatite is composed of high proportions of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. The dominant silicon classifies Enstatite as silicates mineral. The Enstatite crystals display orthorhombic and dipyramidal properties. Enstatite is found as prismatic crystals in their natural formation. The texture of Enstatite crystals range from fibrous to lamellar and sometimes even massive. The crystalline mass of Enstatite can be at least 40 cm in size.

The cleavages on Enstatite are distinct while the fracturing is irregular and uneven. This irregular and uneven fracturing makes Enstatite quite brittle. However, the Moh’s hardness of Enstatite crystals is between 5 and 6. The density of Enstatite crystals is 3.3 g/cm3. Enstatite do not display luminescence or radioactive properties.

Enstatite crystals usually occur in the colors of white, yellow, gray and brown. Olive green and dark green coloring in Enstatite is quite rare. Dark green gem quality crystals of Enstatite have been found in Tanzania and till date they have been the best quality gemstones of Enstatite.

The distinct cleavages of Enstatite make the opacity of the crystals range from transparent to translucent. However sometimes inclusions in Enstatite make the crystals appear translucent or opaque. The luster of Enstatite crystals range from vitreous to pearly on the cleavages and the fracturing. There is however extremely weak dispersion observed in Enstatite.

Enstatite is commonly found in volcanic residue, especially on nature mafic and in felsic. Enstatite is also commonly found in achondrite and chondrite meteorites. The rarity of the Enstatite gemstones allows them to command high prices and a revered place in the collections of gemstone experts and connoisseurs.

Price:

Enstatite has seen gemstone experts and connoisseurs pay hundreds of dollars for few carats due to the rarity of the gemstones.

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