Hypersthene Meaning and Properties
Hypersthene History
Hypersthene gemstones are a greenish rock-forming mineral consisting of magnesium and iron silicate. The word "hypersthene" comes from the Greek word for "over strength," no doubt alluding to the hardness as compared to minerals such as the hornblende it was often confused with. "Hypersthene" is not a commonly used term these days, and this gemstone is often categorized instead as enstatite or ferrosilite. However, hypersthene is the intermediary between those two minerals. Enstatite contains more magnesium, ferrosilite contains more iron and hypersthene is in the middle with about 50% iron. The International Mineralogical Association has reclassified it under the name ferroan enstatite.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Hypersthene?
Considered a protective stone, hypersthene meaning is associated with calmness and quietness within the mind of the wearer. According to metaphysical beliefs, hypersthene grounds the wearer, shielding them from hectic stimuli. With less outside "noise," wearers of hypersthene are said to better organize thoughts and find creative solutions to problems. Hypersthene is ideal for holding during meditation. Hypersthene meaning is also linked to enhancing self-esteem without promoting ego. Crown, third eye, throat, solar plexus and base chakras are most affected by hypersthene.
What is Hypersthene Made From?
Hypersthene belongs to the orthopyroxene class. Individual, well-developed crystals are rare. Instead, this stone is usually found as stubby foliated masses in coarse lamellar or fibrous aggregates. Hypersthene is typically brown, green or grey with a vitreous to pearly luster. Some hypersthene has been known to display a coppery or red metallic sheen. This gemstone is a bit brittle with perfect cleavage and uneven fracture. Hypersthene gemstones have been found in the Adirondack Mountains of New York in the United States as well as Labrador and Quebec, Canada.
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How Do You Clean Hypersthene?
Remove hypersthene jewelry before engaging in sports or other activities that could result in the stone taking any sharp blows. Avoid contact with harsh cleaning agents and detergents, as well as bleach and other chemicals. The safest method for cleaning hypersthene is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away cosmetics and dust. Allow the stone to dry completely before wearing or storing hypersthene jewelry. Store hypersthene away from harder gemstone materials or metals that could scratch the surface.
Hypersthene FAQ
Q: What colors and patterns are common in hypersthene beads?
A: Hypersthene is a dark stone—black, green-black or brown-black—typically striated with silvery metallic lines.
Q: What makes hypersthene different from other dark, reflective stones like hematite or obsidian?
A: Hypersthene is not just dark and reflective—it has a native pleochroism, shimmering with a variety of shades of color. Some stones also have a cat’s eye chatoyancy, adding to its allure. The following spells out some of the key difference between these three shiny black stones.
Hypersthene: transparent to translucent with a striped, metallic pattern and a glossy luster; specific gravity of 3.45 – 3.55; Mohs hardness of 5 to 6;
Hematite: opaque with a uniform metallic sheen; can have reddish-brown hues in it; specific gravity of 5.00 – 5.30 (the heaviest of these three); Mohs hardness of 5 to 6-1/2
Black Obsidian: smooth, shiny volcanic glass but brittle and prone to breakage; specific gravity of 2.40 – 2.60 (feels very light); Mohs hardness of 5 to 5-1/2
Q: Is hypersthene a rare gemstone?
A: Hypersthene itself is abundant and widespread, but gemstone-quality specimens are rare, making it a sought-after jewelry-making stone.
Q: What colors does hypersthene come in?
A: Hypersthene has a dark beauty, manifesting in shades of black, black-green and black-brown.
Designing with Hypersthene
This rugged stone is ideal for men's, women's and unisex jewelry designs. The dark tones work well with all earthy browns, greens and greys, as well as black. If the hypersthene you're designing with happens to have inclusions with metallic sheen, heighten this by using metal beads of similar colors. Hypersthene's dark color ensures it plays well with almost all other colors, giving you plenty of design potential to play with.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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