On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Enstatite
Also known asBronzite · Chrome enstatite · Ferroan Enstatite · Hypersthene (conditional name)
A pyroxene-group mineral species whose basic name in Annex A.1 of GB/T 16552-2017 is “enstatite”; its specific composition and any optical effect must be identified by testing. Also known as Hypersthene. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Enstatite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale; where its colour and optical effects come from, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify EnstatiteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing EnstatiteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of EnstatiteEach value with its source and check date
- Enstatite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of EnstatiteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing EnstatiteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define EnstatiteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Enstatite has the formula Mg2Si2O6 and belongs to the pyroxene group; it is dimorphous with clinoenstatite and forms a solid-solution series with ferrosilite. It occurs in pyroxenites, peridotites and dunites, in ultramafic inclusions in alkalic olivine basalts and kimberlite, and in mafic volcanics; it is characteristic of charnockites and the granulite metamorphic facies, and is common in chondrite, achondrite and stony-iron meteorites. Chromium-bearing enstatite is green.
Scope: Covers the origin, composition and occurrence of enstatite as a pyroxene-group mineral species, including the variety boundaries of chrome enstatite and hypersthene; does not address synthetic materials.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Where it forms
Pyroxenites, peridotites and dunites; ultramafic inclusions in alkalic olivine basalts and kimberlite
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Charnockitic bodies, plus rocks that underwent regional metamorphism at granulite-facies grade
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Meteorites of achondrite, chondrite, and stony-iron types
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
In ultramafic rocks (pyroxenites, peridotites, dunites), enstatite crystallizes as a major silicate mineral.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In alkalic olivine basalts and kimberlite, enstatite is carried upward as ultramafic inclusions.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Under granulite-facies regional metamorphism and in charnockites, enstatite grows through high-temperature metamorphic reactions.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Enstatite also occurs as a common mineral in meteorites such as chondrites, achondrites and stony-iron meteorites.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Enstatite may be white, greyish, yellowish, green, olive-green or brown, with a vitreous luster to pearly on cleavages; the chromium-bearing variety is green (chrome enstatite).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Timescale
The sources state no timescale for enstatite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Supporting findings
Enstatite occurs in pyroxenites, peridotites and dunites, and in ultramafic inclusions in alkalic olivine basalts and kimberlite; it is characteristic of charnockites and granulite-facies regionally metamorphosed rocks.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes enstatite's occurrence environment; not the sole origin of any one locality.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Enstatite is common in meteorites such as chondrites, achondrites and stony-iron meteorites.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes occurrence in meteorites; it does not infer terrestrial origin.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Mbeya, TanzaniaLocality for fine crystals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Asia
- Embilipitiya, Sri LankaListed as a source of gem material
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Mindat: Enstatite
Seas and coasts
- WorldwideMindat lists 1,604 localities
Sources Mindat: Enstatite
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Causes of colour and optical effects
Chromium-bearing enstatite is green (chrome enstatite) and normally requires no treatment.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes chrome enstatite's color cause and variety status; not generalized to other-colored enstatite.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Where the name comes from
The English name enstatite comes from a Greek word meaning “opponent,” referring to how resistant the mineral is under the blowpipe.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Enstatite has the formula Mg2Si2O6, belongs to the pyroxene group, is dimorphous with clinoenstatite, and forms a solid-solution series with ferrosilite.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes enstatite composition, dimorphism and solid-solution series; it does not infer end-member ratios of any sample.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Hypersthene is the iron-rich variety of the enstatite-ferrosilite series; CIBJO lists it as 'Ferroan Enstatite' within the Enstatite-Ferrosilite series.
Evidence grade AScope: Defines hypersthene's variety-to-species relationship with enstatite; it does not treat hypersthene as an independent mineral species.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The sources state no absolute geological timescale for enstatite formation.
- The CIBJO table places hypersthene within the Enstatite-Ferrosilite series but gives no chemical definition.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Enstatite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Enstatite” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Enstatite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Enstatite is Enstatite; use "Enstatite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.1, row 顽火辉石 (Enstatite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Enstatite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Enstatite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Enstatite, p.51; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Enstatite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Enstatite, p.51; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningFor cleaning, Enstatite must not be cleaned ultrasonically, regardless of treatment status; for wear, it cleaves or fractures easily, so wear it with care, likewise regardless of treatment status. Both conclusions come from the Enstatite row of the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022). General careGeneral care that applies to all gemstones, and the full table of special-care letters, are in the general care part of the material entry index page.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
Durability and wearing
Toughness
Brittle
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Besides Enstatite, the name register records "Bronzite", "Chrome enstatite", "Ferroan Enstatite" and "Hypersthene", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.36 “Bronzite”; CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.53 “Chrome enstatite”; CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Ferroan Enstatite”; CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Hypersthene”).
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese standard name for Enstatite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1, and the mineralogical name is Enstatite. The suggested listing name is Enstatite. Japanese namesThe GSJ (Japan) has its own formal Japanese name. Names in four languagesNames are registered in four languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Enstatite) and Japanese. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO records Enstatite, based on the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024; the FTC text on file contains no wording for Enstatite (checked); the wording of GIA and Gem-A is unchecked. The English name shown for bodies without a recorded wording comes from the entry itself and does not represent their position. The name register also includes Bronzite, Chrome enstatite and Ferroan Enstatite. Candidate search termsHypersthene is an obsolete name used only as a candidate search term.
Name register
Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Name | Type | Matching | Use as a name | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no restriction recorded (4) | ||||
| BronziteEnglish | narrower name (variety or subtype) | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.36 “Bronzite” |
| Chrome enstatiteEnglish | narrower name (variety or subtype) | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.53 “Chrome enstatite” |
| Ferroan EnstatiteEnglish | narrower name (variety or subtype) | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Ferroan Enstatite” |
| HyperstheneEnglish | historical name | search candidate only | no restriction recorded | CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 Annex 8 “Hypersthene” |
How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 頑火輝石
- Chinese formal name
- 顽火辉石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Enstatite
- Trade names and synonyms
- Bronzite (narrower name (variety or subtype)) · Chrome enstatite (narrower name (variety or subtype)) · Ferroan Enstatite (narrower name (variety or subtype)) · Hypersthene (historical name; conditional name)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 顽火辉石
- 繁體中文
- 頑火輝石
- English
- Enstatite
- 日本語
- エンスタタイト／頑火輝石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Among the material facts for Enstatite, the chemical composition (Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 (possibly with Ca, Al and other elements) and the orthorhombic crystal system are recorded for Enstatite itself; Mohs hardness, cleavage and optical character are given in the cited clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group), not measured for Enstatite alone. For pyroxene (the whole mineral group): Mohs hardness 5–6 (the clause has finer subdivisions; the overall value is taken), two perfect cleavages that are usually not visible in aggregates, anisotropic, biaxial, positive. Enstatite's own density is 3.23–3.4 g/cm³, derived from the clause value 3.25 with a tolerance of +0.15/−0.02; its refractive index is 1.653–1.683, derived from the clause value 1.663–1.673 with a tolerance of ±0.010; and its birefringence is 0.008–0.011. For pyroxene (the whole mineral group) the clause also gives density 3.1–3.52 g/cm³, refractive index 1.66–1.772 and birefringence 0.008–0.033, each the overall value where the clause has finer subdivisions.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Enstatite page; see the material facts on the Pyroxene entry.
Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Enstatite (how to read class-level values).
Definition
Enstatite — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — composition (chemistry): enstatite: (Mg,Fe)2Si2O6; may contain Ca, Al and other elements.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Chemical composition · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — composition (phase): enstatite (pyroxene group)
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Enstatite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic for diopside, augite and spodumene; orthorhombic for enstatite.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — structure (crystal system): orthorhombic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Crystal system · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — structure (crystal habit): usually prismatic, sometimes forming flaky, radiating or fibrous aggregates; augite can form platy crystals.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Durability
Enstatite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — cleavage: cleaves perfectly in two directions; aggregates normally show no cleavage.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Physical properties
Enstatite — density: 3.1–3.52 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — density: 3.23–3.4 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.25, with a stated tolerance of +0.15 / -0.02. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Density · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Optical
Enstatite — optic character: biaxial, optically positive (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — refractive index: 1.66–1.772
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — refractive index: 1.653–1.683
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.663–1.673, with a stated tolerance of ±0.010. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Refractive index · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — birefringence: 0.008–0.033
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — birefringence: 0.008–0.011
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Birefringence · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — transparency: transparent to opaque.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — pleochroism: trichroism, weak to strong. Diopside shows light to dark green; enstatite shows brownish yellow and yellow, or green and yellow-green; augite shows light green, light brown and green-yellow. Pink-red to blue-purple-red spodumene is moderate to strong, showing pink-red and light purple-red; colorless and green spodumene is moderate, showing blue-green and yellow-green.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — pleochroism: brownish yellow, yellow; green, yellow-green
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Pleochroism · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Enstatite — spectrum (UV-visible): 505 nm absorption peak; 550 nm absorption peak.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 UV-visible spectrum (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
optical effect (chatoyancy)2 sources compared
Enstatite — optical effect (chatoyancy): chatoyancy.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Qualification
The cited source states that this effect may occur.
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
optical effect (asterism)2 sources compared
Enstatite — optical effect (asterism): asterism.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Qualification
The cited source states that this effect may occur.
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — optical effect (asterism): seen; a four-pointed star
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
body colour2 sources compared
Enstatite — body colour: Green, yellowish-green, brownish-green, greenish-grey, yellow-brown, brownish-pink and colourless.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Amblygonite, Diaspore, Phenakite and other entries also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — body colour: reddish brown, brownish green, yellow-green; rarely colourless.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Titanite / Sphene, Barite, Phenakite and other variety clauses also name brown or a brownish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Colour · Enstatite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
How the sources relate
- CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017
Both list brownish green, yellowish green and colourless. GB/T 16553—2017 also lists reddish brown and notes that colourless is rare; the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book also lists green, greenish grey, yellow-brown and brownish pink.
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy, asterism
Quality factors
Enstatite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.712 / 3.31; Closest values: 1Vesuvianite / Idocrase 1.711 / 3.38, 2Hydrogrossular 1.7 / 3.35, 3Tanzanite 1.696 / 3.28, 4Epidote 1.737 / 3.38, 5Axinite 1.683 / 3.31
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for Enstatite, and what each method means, are given in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page. The CIBJO laboratory protocol's note on test methods states that the special optical effects of Enstatite are asterism and chatoyancy. According to the CIBJO record, there is no synthetic Enstatite on the market.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.31.
How far testing can go
Enstatite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Enstatite — notes on test methods in the CIBJO laboratory protocol:
| Test method | What the protocol notes for it |
|---|---|
| Phenomena: | Star, Cat’s-eye |
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
In the clause-level definitions of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 for Enstatite, Bronzite is defined as an iron-bearing greenish brown variety of enstatite, cross-checked as defined directly by CIBJO with no English term of the same name found directly in the GB/T annex of this edition; Chrome enstatite is defined as an emerald-green variety of enstatite, with the same cross-check result; Enstatite is defined as mineral group pyroxene, mineral species enstatite, IMA status A, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page, cross-checked as defined directly by CIBJO, also appearing in the GB/T annex. The IMA mineral list entry reads Enstatite Mg2Si2O6, IMA status A, cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA mineral list master table (public-domain data).
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronzite | 7.2.1.36 | Green-brown iron-bearing variety of enstatite | Defined directly by CIBJO; no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex. |
| Chrome enstatite | 7.2.1.53 | emerald green variety of enstatite | Defined directly by CIBJO; no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex. |
| Enstatite | 7.2.1.83 | Green, yellowish-green, brownish-green, greenish-grey, yellow-brown, brownish-pink and colourless, transparent to opaque; may show chatoyancy and asterism | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Enstatite | IMA Mineral List entry | Enstatite Mg2Si2O6 A 1988 s.p. | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Enstatite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.