Hypersthene Gemstone Information

The hypersthene gemstone isn't particularly well-known, even though it's incredibly striking. As a result, many people overlook the hypersthene stone when they're expanding their collections or seeking out unique pieces of jewelry.

If you're curious about the stone's properties, the hypersthene gemstone meaning, and more, here's what you need to know about the hypersthene gemstone.

Hypersthene Properties

The hypersthene gemstone isn't technically classified as a gem. Instead, it's a pyroxene group mineral.

When it comes to opacity, hypersthene can run the gamut. You can find opaque, translucent, and transparent versions of the gem, though the latter isn't necessarily as common. The hypersthene mineral also typically has a pearly or vitreous lustre, readily accepting a polish.

Crystal hypersthene may also exhibit pleochroism, depending on the piece. Some samples can have a metallic sheen or a cat's eye effect, giving the hypersthene stone a relatively unique look overall.

Hypersthene is usually in the 5 to 6 range on the Mohs scale when it comes to hardness. Generally, that makes it reasonably durable while still leaving it soft enough for carvings. Since that's the case, it's possible to scratch hypersthene. However, it isn't as delicate as some other stones with a similar overall appearance.

Hypersthene Color

Like many gemstones, hypersthene isn't found in just one colour. Instead, it comes in three different main colours, with varying shades within each one.

One of the more intriguing versions of hypersthene is brown. While that hue might not seem particularly appealing for a gemstone, there can be a coppery red sheen that significantly alters the gem's appearance.

Due to the metallic red sheen, the colour visually ranges ranging from burnt orange to brick red in many cases. Precisely how the hue comes across can vary depending on transparency, as the red crystals may appear lighter or dark depending on lighting conditions.

In some cases, hypersthene also exhibits a cat's eye effect. With this, you may also see slight alterations to the perceived hue. The pleochroism usually leans yellow in the brown version of the gemstone, though it can be a different shade in different coloured hypersthene gemstones, as described below.

Hypersthene is also widely found in green. In most cases, these stones are translucent to opaque, and the shade of green is often relatively soft and subdued. It isn't uncommon to see striations in the gem, usually with a darker green base being crossed by pastel green or gray lines. The pleochroism on green hypersthene usually leans toward deep blue if it's present.

Gray hypersthene is another common form. Typically, this colour is opaquer, though it is still a bit translucent. Generally, the hue can range from a silvery tone to a deep black. Depending on the lighting conditions, you may also see hints of red or green, though this isn't always the case.

The History of Hypersthene

The name hypersthene is derived from green, roughly translating to "over strength." Mainly, that's a homage to the stone's higher hardness compared to similar gemstones, something that may be surprising since the gem falls near the middle of the Mohs scale.

Generally speaking, hypersthene is a collector's stone, as high-quality versions are relatively rare. It may also make appearances in jewelry.

While it's found throughout the world, large deposits aren't overly common, making hypersthene ill-suited for most industrial uses. In some cases, hypersthene may make its way into certain construction materials, often in the trap rock category. However, its presence there can be incidental.

Where Is Hypersthene Found?

Generally speaking, hypersthene forms in igneous and metamorphic rock. Usually, high temperatures and high pressure is required to create hypersthene naturally.

Like many minerals, the hypersthene gemstone is found in various countries all around the globe. There's a source on essentially every continent where people are present, including in countries like Australia, Austria, Canada, El Salvador, Iceland, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, South Korea, South Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, the United States, and many more.

Hypersthene Jewelry

As mentioned previously, gem-quality hypersthene is pretty rare. As a result, you won't find the hypersthene gem in chain jewelry stores simply because there isn't a reliable supply.

However, that doesn't mean you can't find any hypersthene jewelry. Independent designers are better equipped to make one-off pieces or small runs, allowing them to take advantage of beautiful stones even if they're in short supply.

Additionally, they can use every version of hypersthene, not just those that they can facet. Since that's the case, they can create attractive pieces for jewelry fans that appreciate the look of the stone with greater ease.

Photo by By Geni - Photo by user:geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71385298

One of the more popular options is hypersthene beads. Typically, hypersthene beads make their way into strand necklaces and bracelets, though they may also be found in earrings and pendulums.

Hypersthene Meaning

First, it's important to note that the hypersthene stone meaning can vary a bit depending on the stone's colour. If you're looking for a particular meaning, it's wise to research that colour specifically.

Overall, the hypersthene crystal meaning tends to focus on power and reaching one's potential. However, some feel the hypersthene spiritual meaning connects more closely to protection and calm, effectively grounding a person even during tumultuous times.

The hypersthene metaphysical properties may also relate to self-esteem and creative problem-solving. Independence, open-mindedness, and self-reflection have also been connected to the stone. Some people also carry hypersthene for luck.

As for the hypersthene healing properties, some feel that the stone can benefit those recovering from an illness or anyone trying to break bad habits. In some cases, people claim hypersthene helps the stomach, ovaries, prostate, and intestinal tract.

However, it's critical to understand that there is no scientific proof that any stone, including hypersthene, provides health benefits, prevents medical conditions, or treats illnesses. While wearing, holding, or meditating on hypersthene probably won't cause harm, it isn't a substitute for genuine medical care. As a result, if you're experiencing a health issue, speak with a licensed medical professional to ensure proper treatment for the condition.

Stones Similar to Hypersthene

Since hypersthene comes in numerous colours and several levels of opacity, finding a match isn't always easy. However, certain stones may be reasonable stand-ins under specific circumstances.

One stone with a high degree of resemblance to hypersthene is hornblende. Depending on the piece, the two can look so much alike that they'll be confused for one another. However, hornblende can come in different hues or exhibit characteristics not found in hypersthene.

If you're looking for a substitute for gray or black hypersthene, hematite, onyx, or obsidian may work, depending on whether you're also looking for the metallic sheen. Green garnet or jadeite could potentially be stand-ins for green hypersthene, though you'd have to carefully select pieces to get similar hues or find reasonably matching opacity.

Matching the crystal version of brown hypersthene usually means turning to garnets. However, brown tourmaline can also do the trick. You could potentially use a traditional Tigers Eye for opaquer versions, as that can have similar colouring and the desired pleochroism.