Class : Silicates
    Subclass : Inosilicates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : MgSiO₃
    Rarity : Rare

Clinoenstatite belongs to the group of pyroxenes. It is a rare dimorph of enstatite which forms a continuous series with clinoferrosilite. Its name is related to its monoclinic crystal system and its chemical similarity to enstatite. It is found in short to tabular prismatic crystals of 2 mm at most, frequently twinned, and in lamellar masses in rare magnesian andesites, in ultrabasic diopside rocks and hornfels with a strong metamorphic gradient. On the other hand, it is an essential constituent of chondrites and achondrites. Clinoenstatite is usually brown to greenish gray.

Main photo : Clinoenstatite from the alluvial deposits of Dordogne, Puy-de-Dôme, France © François Périnet

Polysynthetic twins on {100} are known for this mineral species.

No fake identified for this mineral species.