From the Greek "hyper," meaning "beyond," and "sthenos," meaning "strength." Named for being harder than amphibole. An iron-magnesium silicate of the pyroxene family.

Found in ancient rock formations in Brazil, Labrador, and Greenland. Present in gabbro and diorite—rocks that originated deep within the Earth's mantle.

The name implies great power, but the mineral itself is understated. No brilliance as a gemstone. Yet rock containing hypersthene is proof that material from the Earth's interior once reached the surface. A quiet witness, without fanfare.