How do I identify Hypersthene?

Hypersthene can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Greyish white color, Vitreous, Silky luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Hypersthene?

Hypersthene typically appears in Greyish white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Hypersthene?

Hypersthene has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Hypersthene

A variety of Orthopyroxene Subgroup

Rare

Hypersthene specimen - rock identification

What is Hypersthene?

Hypersthene is prized by collectors for the pearly or copper-red play of color appearing along the surface of these grey stones when polished. Rarely, faceted gems are made, but the effect is not as brilliant as it is for cabochons or tumbled stones. "hypersthene" is considered to be an outdated name for its constituent mineral, but the term is still most commonly used in the gem trade.

Etymology & Origins

The name "hypersthene" comes from the Greek and means "over strength", and is an allusion to its being harder than the amphibole mineral hornblende (a mineral with which it is often confused).

Uses & Applications

Like bronzite, it is sometimes cut and polished as a gemstone.

Healing Properties

Hypersthene is often referred to as a magical stone and is believed to help in problem-solving. Many say the stone can allow for clairvoyance especially when used on the Third Eye chakra during meditation. It is believed that using the stone on any of the upper chakras will help a person find solutions to problems they are facing.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.673-1.731
Birefringence: 0.016
Pleochroism: Green stones - strong: dark bluish-green, brownish-red, yellowish
Optical Character: Biaxial negative

Hypersthene Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Hypersthene using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Hypersthene Localities Map

See where Hypersthene is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Associated Chakras

Root

Sacral

Solar Plexus

Heart

Throat

Third Eye

Crown

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Hypersthene

Color is often gray, brown, or green, and the luster is usually vitreous to pearly. The pleochroism is strong, the hardness is 5–6, and the specific gravity is 3.4–3.9. On certain surfaces it displays a brilliant copper-red metallic sheen, or schiller, which has the same origin as the bronzy sheen of bronzite, but is even more pronounced.