Hypersthene beads are a magnesium iron silicate. Its name is from the Greek: hyper means extreme or above; and sthenos means strength. This name refers to the fact that hypersthene is harder than hornblende, a mineral with which it was often confused.
Hypersthene is a member of the pyroxene family, and is usually found in igneous rocks, though there are instances of the mineral having occurred in meteors. It is actually a variety of the mineral enstatite, but in hypersthene some of enstatite’s magnesium has been replaced by iron. Another variety of this mineral—enstatite that has undergone chemical weathering --is bronzite.
Although enstatite is widely distributed, hypersthene is much rarer. The most important deposit of hypersthene in upper New York State in the Adirondack Mountains, but it’s also been found in Labrador, Canada (along with labradorite), and in the lava flows of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State.
Since distinct hypersthene crystals are rare, it’s not often faceted.
The gem is more often polished to a smooth cabochon or bead, revealing a play of light and sometimes even a cat’s eye effect.

Astrology: connected with Sagittarius and Libra
Chakra: 1st (root)
Metaphyscially, there isn’t that much information about hypersthene. Melody, however, describes it as a stone that helps one find answers to problems. It’s said to be a good stone for countering both irritability and being overly critical, and an aid in standing up for what you know to be right.

Polished hypersthene beads has a silky, almost peal-like luster and a play of light across the surface. Our hypersthene beads are a glossy black-grey with flashes of light, which can be white or pink. (Streaks of both white and pink occur in the rock). These beads are stunning with pearls, clear quartz crystal, and tourmalated quartz beads. Those with pink flashes look particularly lovely when strung with rose quartz. Hypersthene also works wonderfully with stones that are “visual kin” in terms of their own distinctive patterns, such as our Black-line Jasper and Gabble Agate. For contrast, try beading it with red Tiger’s Eye.

Hypersthene beads Color: Grey, green, dark yellow, greenish-brown, brownish-black, black
Chemical composition: (Mg, Fe)2Si2O6
Mohs’ hardness: 5-6
Transparency: Transparent to opaque
Luster: Vitreous, silky, submetallic, dull
Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal
Crystal system: Orthorhombic but distinct crystals are rare; usually found as foliated masses
Cleavage: perfect prismatic
Streak: Light brown to grayish white
Occurrence: Adirondack Mountains (NY, USA), Canada, Czech Republic, England, Norway, Mt. St. Helens (Washington State)