ENSTATITE
Mg₂Si₂O₆
Merelani Hills, Arusha, Tanzania

Enstatite, a member of the pyroxene group, occurs relatively commonly in rocks. It is exceedingly rare as large, well-formed, gem-quality crystals such as this. This crystal was found in the same deposit that is best known for tanzanite, the gem variety of mineral zoisite.

Size: 3.5 cm tall

Acquired: 1998 Gem & Mineral Council purchase; available for adoption through the Adopt-a-Mineral program.

Disposition: Planned for future display.

Catalog Number: 44220