Definition

A type of mineral that is usually green, brown, or black and has a splintery texture. It is a member of the pyroxene group and is made up of iron and magnesium silicate.

Example

The geologist identified the shiny black rock as hypersthene during the mineral analysis.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of hypersthene?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's actually a mineral that can be green or brown.

That sounds interesting! I love learning about different minerals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypersthene is derived from the Greek roots 'hyper-' (meaning over or beyond) and 'sthenos' (meaning strength). The word refers to a mineral that is characterized by its strong and robust properties, hence the combination of these roots.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over' ('hyper-') and 'strength' ('sthenos') to remember that hypersthene refers to a mineral known for its strong characteristics.

Visually Confused Words