Single-Chain Silicates

Question 1

Enstatite

Answer 1

MgSiO₃

• conglomerate of platy, fibrous crstals
• transparentish crystals
• brownishish, balck and deep green

Question 2

Ferrosilite

Answer 2

FeSiO₃

Question 3

Hypersthene

Answer 3

(Mg, Fe)SiO₃

• bronze tinge mixed with green
• congolmerate of platy minerals, thin sheets stuck together in different direction

Question 4

Diopside

Answer 4

CaMgSi₂O₆

• gem stone quality
• green polka dots

Question 5

Hedenbergite

Answer 5

CaFeSi₂O₆

• black, dark green

Question 6

Augite

Answer 6

(Ca, Mg, Fe)Si₂O₆

• black, stubby crystals
• cleaves two directions lengthwise

Question 7

Pigeonite

Answer 7

(Ca, Mg, Fe)Si₂O₆

• same like all other pyroxenes

Question 8

Jadeite

Answer 8

NaAlSi₂O₆

• green like jade
• uneven fracture

Question 9

Aegerine

Answer 9

NaFeSi₂O₆

• dark green in salmon coloured mmatrix
• long thin striations crystals

Question 10

Spodumene

Answer 10

LiAlSi₂O₆

• Only light coloured pyroxene
• Flat, looks like brucite
• cross cutting fractures

Question 11

Wollastonite

Answer 11

CaSiO₃

• white, grayish
• flat crystals

Question 12

Rhodonite

Answer 12

MnSiO₃

• red granular crystals
• associated with black veins