What is hypersthene?

Hypersthene is a mineral belonging to the pyroxene group, with a chemical composition of (Mg,Fe)SiO3. It is typically black or dark brown in color and has a metallic luster. Hypersthene is commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks such as gabbro, basalt, and norite.

Hypersthene has a prismatic and tabular crystal habit and can also occur in massive, granular, or fibrous forms. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 3.4 to 3.6.

Hypersthene is sometimes used as a gemstone, particularly in jewelry where it is often cut into cabochons. It is also used in the manufacturing of refractory materials and as a minor ore of metals such as magnesium and iron.

Overall, hypersthene is a relatively common mineral that is known for its distinctive appearance and interesting physical properties.