Enstatite

Mg(Si

Enstatite is another rare species at MSH.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is usually colorless or yellow to greenish.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is orthorhombic; Pbca
Crystal Habits include prismatic crystals.
Cleavage {210} good to perfect, {100} and {010} with parting.
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 5 – 6.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.4 g/cm
Streak is pale brown.
Associated Minerals include (??).
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit and color.
Origin: Named in 1855 from the Greek enstates, an opponent, alluding
to its refractory nature.

CLASSIFICATION:

Dana System
# 65.1.2.1

Strunz Classification
# VIII/F.02-10

REFERENCES:
CanMin 32:843-854 (1994), Dana 8:1294-1295 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

MSH
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