Characteristics of Hypersthene

Characteristics of Hypersthene:

Chemical Name: Magnesium, iron silicate

Formula: (Mg,Fe++)2Si2O6

Colors: Grey, brown, green

Structure: Orthorhombic

Hardness: 5.5

Specific Gravity: 3.35

Refractive Index: 1.65-1.67

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: White

Locations: India, Germany, Norway, Greenland

 

What is Hypersthene?

The name Hypersthene is still retained as a gemstone variety, even though it has been largely abandoned as a mineral name (the mineral is now considered a middle member of related series of silicates called pyroxenes.) Hypersthene is commonly grey, brown, or green in color. As a gem, it is noted for its copper-red iridescence, caused in part by inclusions of the minerals hematite and goethite. It is most frequently cut en cabochon because it can be too dark to facet. When faceted, stones are often somewhat cloudy, although intense in color.
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