Hypersthene is an iron-rich pyroxene mineral noted for its distinct submetallic, bronzy luster on cleavage planes. It commonly appears in massive forms within igneous rocks and is a popular choice for lapidary work due to its attractive chatoyancy when cut as cabochons.
Is this hypersthene?
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 hypersthene with a known reference. Hypersthene sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hypersthene leaves a greyish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hypersthene typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown, dark green, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, lamellar, or prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Hypersthene vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hypersthene leaves greyish-white, Bronzite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hypersthene leaves greyish-white, Enstatite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Hypersthene and vitreous on Enstatite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hypersthene leaves greyish-white, Augite leaves grayish white; luster reads submetallic on Hypersthene and vitreous on Augite.
Often found alongside hypersthene
Minerals reported to co-occur with hypersthene. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe)₂Si₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.4-3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Greyish-white
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Lamellar, Or Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions At Right Angles
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Igneous Rocks Including Norite, Gabbro, And Basalt
- Typical price
- $5-50 for hand specimens or polished slabs
Where rockhounds find hypersthene
Classic worldwide localities
- Labrador, Canada
- Arendal, Norway
- Adirondack Mountains, USA
- Madagascar
- Bavaria, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in igneous rocks including norite, gabbro, and basalt country — that is the host setting where hypersthene typically forms. If you start seeing labradorite, magnetite, oligoclase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, lamellar, or prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hypersthene on the map
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