Both enstatite and hypersthene contribute to the bronzite variety. An emerald green variety of enstatite is called chrome-enstatite and is cut as a gemstone . The green color is caused by traces of chromium, hence the varietal name. Enstatite would form more commonly in igneous rocks if it were not for the abundance of iron in most magmas. As a result, enstatite is more commonly seen in highly metamorphosed rocks called granulites.
Color is typically white, colorless, gray, light brown or pale green.
Luster is vitreous to pearly. Crystals are generally translucent and rarely transparent. Crystal Habits include rare individual crystals that have a stubby prismatic habit. More typically massive or in coarse lamellar or fibrous aggregates. Cleavage is perfect in two directions at nearly 90 degrees.