Clinoenstatite

clinoenstatite

diopside

spinel

forsterite

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Formula: Mg₂Si₂O₆ Inosilicate (chain silicate), clinopyroxene
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.210 calculated
Hardness: 5 to 6
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, greenish yellow, yellowish brown, green-brown
Solubility: Insoluble in water, hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid
Common impurities: Ti,Al,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ca,Na
Environments:

Plutonic igneous environments

Alteration

forsterite and anorthite to clinoenstatite, diopside and spinel
2Mg₂SiO₄ + CaAl₂Si₂O₈ ⇌ 2MgSiO₃ + CaMgSi₂O₆ + MgAl₂O₄
The reaction can proceed in either direction, depending on the ambient conditions.

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