Hypersthene

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Hypersthene from the Brigham Young University Mineral Collection , Faculty of Geology, Provo, Utah
Hypersthene, ground to a tumbled stone

Hypersthene is the general name for mixed crystals from the enstatite - ferrosilite series, the end members of which belong to the group of pyroxenes . Like the two end links, hypersthene also crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system . The mixed crystal formula is given as (Fe, Mg) 2 [Si 2 O 6 ].

Hypersthen is translucent to opaque and usually forms massive or granular-leafy mineral aggregates . It also rarely develops small, large-area crystals . Its color varies between greenish-gray and greenish-black to almost black. However, like enstatite or ferrosilite, it leaves a greyish-white line on the marking board . The other properties of the hypersthene such as Mohs hardness and density are similar to those of the end links or lie between the end values.

A rock consisting almost exclusively of hypersthen, that is to say monomineral rock, is called hypersthenite .

Etymology and history

The name comes from the Greek ὑπέρ hyper "over" and σθένος stheos "strength" and is intended to express that hypersthene is harder than the chemically related variety bronzite .

In 1988 hypersthene, which was initially recognized as a mineral, was renamed ferrosilite by the commission for new minerals and mineral names of the International Mineralogical Association . The mineral status has since been revoked from the hypersthene.

Occurrence

Hypersthene occurs at many sites around the world and is also a component of iron meteorites .

use

Hypersthen is occasionally precious stones processed, the in smooth cut has silk sheen.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Stefan Weiß: The large Lapis mineral directory . 5th edition. Christian Weise Verlag, Munich 2008, ISBN 978-3-921656-17-4 .
  2. ↑ Rudolf Graubner: Lexicon of Geology, Minerals and Rocks . Emil Vollmer Verlag, Munich 1980, ISBN 3-87876-327-1 , p. 171 .
  3. ↑ N. Moromoto: Nomenclature of pyroxenes. In: Mineralogy and Petrology. vol. 39, 1988, pp. 55-76.
  4. ^ IMA / CNMNC List of Mineral Names. (PDF; 1.9 MB). P. 126.

literature

  • Paul Ramdohr , Hugo Strunz : Klockmann's textbook of mineralogy . 16th edition. Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart 1978, ISBN 3-432-82986-8 , p. 723 .
  • Walter Schumann: Precious stones and gemstones. All species and varieties in the world. 1600 unique pieces . 13th, revised and expanded edition. BLV Verlag, Munich et al. 2002, ISBN 3-405-16332-3 , p. 220 .

Web links

Commons : Hypersthene  - collection of images, videos and audio files