Esseneite

Esseneite is a relative rare mineral of the pyroxene group, with formula CaFeAlSiO6. It is the ferric-iron-dominant member. Esseneite is an iron-analogue of other pyroxene-group members, davisite, grossmanite, and kushiroite. It is a metamorphic mineral forming in pyrometamorphic rocks called paralavas, which are formed due to fusing on sedimentary rocks usually in result of coal fires. Esseneite is found in both natural and anthropogenic coal-fire sites.[1][2]

Esseneite
Reddish-brown dorrite crystals associated to orange essenite, and also spinel and magnesioferrite. From: Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russian Federation
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)		CaFeAlSiO6
Crystal classMonoclinic - Prismatic
Identification
ColorReddish brown
Cleavage110 - Perfect
LusterVitreous (Glassy)
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent
Density3.54

Esseneite was named for Eric J. Essene (1939-2011), a metamorphic petrologist and Professor of Geosciences at the University of Michigan.

The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with space group C2/c.[1]

References
  1. Michael A. Cosca, Donald R. Peacor, "Crystal structure of esseneite (CaFe3+AlSiO6), a new pyroxene produced by pyrometamorphism." American Mineralogist 72, 148-156 (1987)
  2. "Esseneite: Esseneite mineral information and data". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-03-02.


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