Hypersthene - mixed crystal out of the Enstatite-Ferrosilite-serial, tumble polished stone — Photo: Ra'ike (see also: de:Benutzer:Ra'ike) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Ferrosilite
The iron end-member of the enstatite–ferrosilite pyroxene series — an orthopyroxene of metamorphic rocks and meteorites.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Ferrosilite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Fe²⁺₂Si₂O₆.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pbca). It is a member of the Pyroxene structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 6; specific gravity 3.96; typically brown or green or black; white streak; vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Fs, IMA status: approved, named in 1935.
Found in medium- to high-grade metamorphosed iron formations.
It is found associated with Magnetite, hematite, ferroan diopside, quartz, almandine.
The name refers to FERROus iron and SILicon in the composition; originally a \normative" mineral in rocks.
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