Hedenbergite is an iron-rich member of the pyroxene group frequently found in contact-metamorphosed limestones. Collectors look for its dark, prismatic crystals or massive, granular aggregates typically embedded within skarn mineral associations.
Is this hedenbergite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch hedenbergite with a known reference. Hedenbergite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hedenbergite leaves a white to pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hedenbergite typically shows a vitreous to resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black, brownish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Hedenbergite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hedenbergite leaves white to pale green, Augite leaves grayish white; luster reads vitreous to resinous on Hedenbergite and vitreous on Augite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hedenbergite leaves white to pale green, Diopside leaves white; luster reads vitreous to resinous on Hedenbergite and vitreous on Diopside.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hedenbergite leaves white to pale green, Johannsenite leaves white; luster reads vitreous to resinous on Hedenbergite and vitreous on Johannsenite.
Often found alongside hedenbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hedenbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFeSi₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous to Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarns, Contact Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hedenbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Italy
- USA
- Russia
- China
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarns, contact metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where hedenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing garnet, calcite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hedenbergite on the map
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