Mineral Guide · Mineral

Hedenbergite

Hedenbergite is the iron-rich calcium pyroxene, usually dark green to black and common in skarns and iron-rich metamorphic rocks.

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Crystal structure

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Mineral properties

Formula: CaFeSi₂O₆
Class: Silicates
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Typical colours: black, brown, dark green, grey-green
Lustre: Sub-metallic, Vitreous
Hardness: 5.00-6.00
Specific gravity: 3.40-3.60
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Prismatic
Origin: skarns, contact-metamorphic limestones, iron formations and alkaline igneous rocks

What is Hedenbergite?

Hedenbergite is the iron-rich calcium pyroxene, usually dark green to black and common in skarns and iron-rich metamorphic rocks.

Mineralogy and structure

Reference formula: CaFeSi₂O₆. Hedenbergite has the monoclinic clinopyroxene structure and forms solid solutions with diopside and aegirine. Analytical or locality evidence is useful when separating members of the series. Hedenbergite belongs to the silicates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 5–6 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.4–3.6.

Colour and appearance

Typical colours include black, dark green, brown, grey-green. The usual prismatic, granular, massive habit and vitreous, sub-metallic lustre are useful descriptive features, but colour alone is not diagnostic.

Formation and localities

Hedenbergite forms in or is associated with skarns, contact-metamorphic limestones, iron formations and alkaline igneous rocks. Important documented localities include Sweden, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United States, Russia and Namibia.

Collecting and care

Protect prismatic cleavages and keep the skarn or ore locality with the specimen.

Sources and editorial review

Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026

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