Augite: Description, Characteristics, and Other FAQs

In this article, you’ll obtain answers to common questions about augite.

What Is Augite?

Augite is a member of the pyroxene family. It’s a silicate mineral with iron and magnesium.

Other members of the pyroxene family include diopside, jadeite, and spodumene.

Where Did Augite Get Its Name?

The name augite comes from the Greek αὐγή (auge), meaning “shine” or “luster”, because of its typical lustrous and vitreous form.

What Does Augite Look Like?

Augite typically appears as black, brown, or green. It has a vitreous luster and a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5.

Where Can Augite Be Found?

Some of the notable locations where augite can be found are in the U.S. states of Arizona and New Mexico; Caracas, Venezuela; and Fayal, Azores.

What Are the Characteristics of Augite?

The following are the physical and chemical properties of augite:

– Hardness: 6-6.5

– Mohs scale

– Specific gravity: 3.3-3.6

– Refractive index: 1.663-1.699

– Double refraction: 0.009

– Dispersion: 0.013

– Chemical composition: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)Si2O6

– Crystal system: Monoclinic

– Crystal class: Prismatic (2/m)

What Is The Luster of Augite?

The luster of augite is vitreous.

Is Augite Metallic or Nonmetallic?

Augite is nonmetallic.

What Are the Uses of Augite?

One notable use of augite is as a gemstone. It can also be used in the production of ceramic tiles.

Is Augite a Rock or a Mineral?

Augite is a mineral.

To be considered a mineral, a material must meet five requirements: it must be naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, have a definite chemical composition, and have a crystalline structure.

Augite is a mineral because it meets all of these requirements.

Rocks are made up of multiple minerals, so augite is not a rock.

Is Augite Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic?

Augite can be classified as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.

Igneous rocks are made of solidified lava or magma.

Sedimentary rocks are made of sediment that has been deposited over time.

Metamorphic rocks are made of rocks that have been changed by heat or pressure.

Augite can be found in all three types of rocks.

What Is The Protolith of Augite?

The protolith of augite is basalt.

Is Augite Foliated or Non-foliated?

Augite is non-foliated because it does not have a layered structure.

Is Augite Felsic or Mafic?

Augite is mafic because it contains a high percentage of magnesium and iron.

Is Augite Crystalline or Amorphous?

Augite is crystalline because it has a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Is Augite Intrusive or Extrusive?

Augite is intrusive because it solidifies below the Earth’s surface.

What Is The Difference Between Augite and Basalt?

The main difference between augite and basalt is that augite is a mineral while basalt is a rock.

Is Augite Aphanitic or Phaneritic?

Augite is aphanitic because the individual crystals are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Is Augite Volcanic or Plutonic?

Augite can be classified as both volcanic and plutonic.

Volcanic rocks are made of solidified lava or magma that has erupted at the surface.

Plutonic rocks are made of magma that has solidified below the surface.

Augite can be found in both types of rocks.

Is Augite Rare?

Augite is not considered to be a rare mineral.

It can be found in many locations around the world.

Is Augite Valuable?

Augite is not considered to be a valuable mineral.

Is Augite Pleochroic?

Augite can be pleochroic, meaning that it appears to be different colors when viewed from different angles.

What Is The History of Augite?

Augite was first described in 1801 by Rene Just Haüy.

It was first used as a gemstone in the late 1800s.

Ceramic tiles made with augite were first produced in the early 1900s.

What Is The Symbolism of Augite?

Augite is associated with the element of fire. Fire is associated with passion, enthusiasm, and courage. It is also associated with danger, destruction, and violence.

What Is The Spiritual Meaning of Augite?

Augite is said to be a stone of protection.

It is believed to help shield the user from negative energy.

Augite is also said to promote courage and strength.

Augite is associated with the root chakra.

The root chakra is associated with grounding, security, and survival.

People believe it can help with anxiety, fear, and stress.

What Is The Zodiac Sign of Augite?

There is no zodiac sign associated with augite.