Magnesium end member of the orthopyroxene series. Important rock-forming mineral in ultramafic rocks and some meteorites. Color: Gray, green, brown, yellowish. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Streak: White to gray. Cleavage: Good in two directions at 88°. Hardness: 5-6. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: MgSiO₃. Specific gravity: 3.2-3.3. Formation: Crystallizes from magnesium-rich magmas in peridotites and norites; also found in meteorites. Common geological settings: Norway, South Africa, India, Myanmar; found in peridotites, norites, and chondrite meteorites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Diopside, Augite, Olivine.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:46.888723+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Magnesium end member of the orthopyroxene series. Important rock-forming mineral in ultramafic rocks and some meteorites.
How can you identify Enstatite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Gray, green, brown, yellowish; lustre: Vitreous to pearly; streak: White to gray; Mohs hardness: 5-6; cleavage: Good in two directions at 88°; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Enstatite form?
Crystallizes from magnesium-rich magmas in peridotites and norites; also found in meteorites.
Where is Enstatite commonly found?
Norway, South Africa, India, Myanmar; found in peridotites, norites, and chondrite meteorites.
What is Enstatite commonly confused with?
Enstatite may be confused with Diopside, Augite, Olivine. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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