The facts
What enstatite actually is
The species behind enstatite is enstatite (pyroxene group), Mg₂Si₂O₆; it forms in the orthorhombic system.
Fe²⁺ giving greenish to brownish tones; chrome-bearing material from kimberlites is a brighter green is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.650–1.680 and a specific gravity of about 3.20–3.35, with good {210} in two directions at about 88° cleavage.
Where enstatite comes from
Commercial material comes from Mogok, Myanmar, Kimberley, South Africa, Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How enstatite is treated
Untreated. Chrome-bearing enstatite from diamond-bearing kimberlites is used as a diamond indicator mineral in exploration as well as being cut for collectors.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What enstatite is confused with
Watch for Peridot, Diopside, Bronzite and Green tourmaline — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.650–1.680 and specific gravity 3.20–3.35 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What enstatite is used for
The trades that buy enstatite are mineral collecting, jewellery and technical and precision components. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 5–6; cleavage good {210} in two directions at about 88°. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What enstatite costs
Expect roughly $10–100/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is enstatite treated, and how?
Untreated. Chrome-bearing enstatite from diamond-bearing kimberlites is used as a diamond indicator mineral in exploration as well as being cut for collectors.
Where does enstatite come from?
Mogok, Myanmar, Kimberley, South Africa, Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is enstatite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–6 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does enstatite cost?
Indicatively $10–100/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is enstatite confused with?
Most often Peridot, Diopside, Bronzite and Green tourmaline. A refractive index of 1.650–1.680 and a specific gravity near 3.20–3.35 separate it quickly.
What is enstatite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and technical and precision components. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for enstatite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about enstatite