Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871365" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871365"><span title="photographer from the United States">Shannon Heinle</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
monocliniccommonSilicates (Pyroxene Group)
Augite
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Al,Si)2O6
Augite typically appears as dark green to black, blocky crystals with a vitreous to dull luster. It often exhibits characteristic pyroxene cleavage planes.
Augite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
5.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
white to grayish-greenCleavage
Two distinct cleavages at nearly 90 degrees (87 and 93 degrees)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.4Colors
dark green, black, brownish-blackTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Worldwide (e.g., Ontario, Italy, USA)Mineral Group
Silicates (Pyroxene Group)Uses
geological study, industrial (minor)Associated Minerals
plagioclase, olivine, hornblende, magnetiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Augite is a crucial rock-forming mineral found in many mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, such as gabbros, basalts, and peridotites, crystallizing from magma at high temperatures.
