Pronunciation: [ɛnstˈata͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Enstatite is a mineral of the pyroxene group. Its spelling is peculiar, as it is pronounced [ɛnˈstætaɪt], not [ɛnˈsteɪtaɪt]. The letter "a" is pronounced as "æ" because it is followed by a consonant cluster "st." This phenomenon is called "vowel breaking," and it happens in English when a vowel is followed by a combination of two or more consonants. Therefore, the spelling of Enstatite follows the rules of English phonology.
Enstatite is a mineral and a member of the pyroxene group. It is composed mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen, with the chemical formula MgSiO3. Enstatite is characterized by its orthorhombic crystal structure and typically appears in various shades of brown, green, or gray.
Enstatite is commonly found in extraterrestrial rocks, particularly in meteorites. This mineral is considered an essential component of Earth's mantle, where it occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in certain volcanic rocks such as basalt and andesite.
Enstatite has a high melting point and exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it a crucial material in high-temperature applications. It is often used as a refractory material in the production of furnace linings, crucibles, and various ceramic products. Enstatite's physical durability and resistance to chemical corrosion make it suitable for these industrial uses.
In terms of its optical properties, enstatite is known for its strong birefringence, meaning it causes double refraction of light. This property allows it to be used in the production of optical instruments, such as polarizing prisms and filters.
Overall, enstatite is an important mineral with diverse applications in the fields of geology, industry, and optics, and its presence in meteorites provides valuable insights into the composition of celestial bodies.
The word enstatite is derived from the Greek word enstates, meaning adversary or resistor. It refers to the strong resistance of the mineral enstatite to being melted, as it has a high melting point compared to other minerals. The suffix -ite is used in mineralogy to denote a mineral. So, the term enstatite essentially means the mineral that resists melting.
