YourGemologist On-line Study of Gemology and Enstatite

Enstatite

Consumer Information

What color is it?: Generally a brown to brownish green. As shown in the 8.48ct gemstone above, the stone is a rather dark color in most cases. Although the above image does not exactly do justice to this stone. YourGemologist will try again to photograph this stone at a later date.

What is the story behind this gemstone?: Rarely seen in jewelry stores this unusual gemstone is more for collectors than consumers. However, it does have a rather pleasing earth-tone brown color that is gaining popularity within the jewelry industry. So you may be seeing more of this gemstone as time passes.

Can I wear it everyday?: With a hardness of 5.5 it is rather soft. So it will be best to wear in a pendant or earrings rather than a ring.

Is it expensive?: Not at this time. About the same as a nice quality amethyst...if you can find one.

Is it a birthstone?: No.

What do I need to know before going shopping?: This will be a gemstone that you will most likely find at gem and mineral shows, and perhaps at some of those artsy-fartsy designer shows. Best bet is to visit your local professional jeweler and have them search around for some enstatites to show you in the store. Then you can choose the stone you want...along with the setting you like...right there in the store. This will keep you from having to rely on some guy selling mineral specimens and AK-47's from a booth in a mineral and gun show, and allow you to choose the setting you like, rather than the one that the cosmic forces directed someone to make (unless, of course, you really like to wear the cosmic force directed designs.) And please don't anyone write me about the cosmic force directed designs in jewelry. I just returned from the Tucson Gem Shows and I have been fully indoctrinated in the cosmic forces of gemstones by some dread-locked "children of the sky" who came from the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets in San Francisco.
General Information

Source: India and Sri Lanka are the finest sources.

Chemical: Mg2(Si2O6) a magnesium silicate and a member of the pyroxene group with peridot

Formation: Most commonly in basic igneous rocks.

Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Unusual Properties: None.

Gemological Information

RI: 1.663 - 1.673

Birefringence: .010

Optic Character: B+

Specific Gravity: 3.27 + -

Hardness: 5 1/2

Transparency: Transparent

Special Identifying Properties and Tests: Spectroscope helps with a strong absorption at 500

Synthetics: None known

Imitations: Many possible. May be confused with kornerupine.

© 2011 YourGemologist.com and Robert James FGA, GG. All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be copied, duplicated, distributed or posted to another website without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder.

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	Enstatite
Consumer Information What color is it?: Generally a brown to brownish green. As shown in the 8.48ct gemstone above, the stone is a rather dark color in most cases. Although the above image does not exactly do justice to this stone. *YourGemologist* will try again to photograph this stone at a later date. What is the story behind this gemstone?: Rarely seen in jewelry stores this unusual gemstone is more for collectors than consumers. However, it does have a rather pleasing earth-tone brown color that is gaining popularity within the jewelry industry. So you may be seeing more of this gemstone as time passes. Can I wear it everyday?: With a hardness of 5.5 it is rather soft. So it will be best to wear in a pendant or earrings rather than a ring. Is it expensive?: Not at this time. About the same as a nice quality amethyst...if you can find one. Is it a birthstone?: No. What do I need to know before going shopping?: This will be a gemstone that you will most likely find at gem and mineral shows, and perhaps at some of those artsy-fartsy designer shows. Best bet is to visit your local professional jeweler and have them search around for some enstatites to show you in the store. Then you can choose the stone you want...along with the setting you like...right there in the store. This will keep you from having to rely on some guy selling mineral specimens and AK-47's from a booth in a mineral and gun show, and allow you to choose the setting *you* like, rather than the one that the cosmic forces directed someone to make (unless, of course, you really like to wear the cosmic force directed designs.) And please don't anyone write me about the cosmic force directed designs in jewelry. I just returned from the Tucson Gem Shows and I have been fully indoctrinated in the cosmic forces of gemstones by some dread-locked "children of the sky" who came from the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets in San Francisco. General Information Source: India and Sri Lanka are the finest sources. Chemical: Mg2(Si2O6) a magnesium silicate and a member of the pyroxene group with peridot Formation: Most commonly in basic igneous rocks. Crystal System: Orthorhombic Unusual Properties: None. Gemological Information RI: 1.663 - 1.673 Birefringence: .010 Optic Character: B+ Specific Gravity: 3.27 + - Hardness: 5 1/2 Transparency: Transparent Special Identifying Properties and Tests: Spectroscope helps with a strong absorption at 500 Synthetics: None known Imitations: Many possible. May be confused with kornerupine.
© 2011 YourGemologist.com and Robert James FGA, GG. All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be copied, duplicated, distributed or posted to another website without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder. Back to Gemstones Index Page Back to Home Page