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

Hornblende is green, rarely brownish; augite pale green or nearly colourless; enstatite appears in some granulite-gneisses.

From Project Gutenberg

The hornblende of granites is usually pale green in section, the augite and enstatite nearly colourless.

From Project Gutenberg

Enstatite is white, greenish or brown in colour; its hardness is 5, and sp.

From Project Gutenberg

In this connexion mention may be made of an altered form of enstatite or bronzite known as bastite or schiller-spar.

From Project Gutenberg

Other dacites, especially augite- and enstatite-dacites, are darker coloured.

From Project Gutenberg