enstatite

[ en-stuh-tahyt ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. a yellow-green fibrous magnesium silicate, an orthorhombic pyroxene found in norites containing less than five percent ferrous oxide.

enstatite

/ ˈɛnstəˌtaɪt /

noun

1. a grey, green, yellow, or brown pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: Mg 2 Si 2 O 6

enstatite

/ ĕn′stə-tīt′ /

1. A glassy, usually yellowish gray orthorhombic variety of pyroxene. It is usually found in igneous rocks and meteorites. Chemical formula: Mg 2 Si 2 O 6 .

Other Words From

• en·sta·tit·ic [en-st, uh, -, tit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enstatite¹

1855–60; < Greek enstát ( ēs ) adversary + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of enstatite¹

C19: from Greek enstatēs adversary (referring to its refractory quality) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The chemical composition of the asteroids, gleaned by telescopes, matched a set of rare meteorites called EL enstatite chondrites, they reported in 2022.

From Science Magazine

Rare meteorites called enstatite chondrites have high metal contents and Psyche-like densities, but their parent body is thought to have formed closer to the Sun.

From Science Magazine

The two other minerals found in the new inclusion, ferropericlase and enstatite, can only occur together at 660 km and deeper, pinpointing where the diamond formed.

From Scientific American

Ringwoodite holds water better than ferropericlase and enstatite, so the mineral probably releases a lot of water as it undergoes changes at this boundary.

From Scientific American

Between 100 million and 500 million years, the atmosphere will cool, and dusty clouds made of minerals such as enstatite and quartz will form.

From Scientific American