Esseneite

 ( Pyroxene Group ) 

Esseneite is a relative rare mineral of the pyroxene group, with formula CaFeAlSiO₆. It is the ferric-iron-dominant member. Esseneite is an iron-analogue of other pyroxene-group members, davisite, grossmanite, and kushiroite. It is a metamorphic mineral forming in pyrometamorphic rocks called paralavas, which are formed due to fusing on sedimentary rocks usually in result of coal fires. Esseneite is found in both natural and anthropogenic coal-fire sites. Michael A. Cosca, Donald R. Peacor, "Crystal structure of esseneite (CaFe³⁺AlSiO6), a new pyroxene produced by pyrometamorphism." American Mineralogist 72, 148–156 (1987)

Esseneite was named for Eric J. Essene (1939–2011), a metamorphic petrologist and Professor of Geosciences at the University of Michigan.

The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with space group C2/c.