Esseneite - Encyclopedia
Class : Silicates
Subclass : Inosilicates
Crystal system : Monoclinic
Chemistry : CaFeAlSiO6
Rarity : Very rare
Esseneite (or essenite) is a very rare pyroxene that is found in molten sediments following the spontaneous and natural combustion of coal veins. It is also found in neoformation in foundry slag. It was named in honor of Professor of Geology Eric Essene of the University of Michigan. Esseneite forms prismatic grains measuring 8 mm maximum with a dark reddish brown hue.
Main photo : Esseneite from slag of Lapanouse-de-Sévérac, Rodez, Aveyron, France © Pascal Chollet
Esseneite in the World
Twinning
No twin known for this mineral species.
Fakes and treatments
No fake listed for this mineral species.
Hardness : 6
Density : 3.54
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : White
TP : Transparent
RI : 1.795 to 1.825
Birefringence : 0.030
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : None
Solubility : -
Magnetism : None
Radioactivity : None