hypersthene

[ hahy-pers-theen ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. a dark iron magnesium silicate, an orthorhombic pyroxene containing more than 14 percent ferrous oxide.

hypersthene

/ ˌhaɪpəˈsθɛnɪk; ˈhaɪpəˌsθiːn /

noun

1. a green, brown, or black pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: (Mg,Fe) 2 Si 2 O 6

Derived Forms

• hypersthenic, adjective

Other Words From

• hy·per·sthen·ic [hahy-pers-, then, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypersthene¹

1800–10; hyper- + Greek sthénos strength, might; replacing hyperstene < French hyperstène

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypersthene¹

C19: from hyper- + Greek sthenos strength

Example Sentences

In the same flow hypersthene-andesite may occur in one portion, while in close proximity the lava is an augite-andesite.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be noted also that hypersthene shows a tendency to magmatic alteration, although only rarely.

From Project Gutenberg

Both are light colored, and the pleochroism of the hypersthene is sometimes quite faint.

From Project Gutenberg

It also surrounds olivine in this same rock, which is a hypersthene-andesite, the hornblende and olivine being only accessory.

From Project Gutenberg

Hypersthene is not the prevailing pyroxene, and olivine is usually present, often in such abundance as to make the rock a basalt.

From Project Gutenberg