Augite

pyroxene mineral

Augite is a mineral. The mineral's name comes from the Greek word augites, meaning "brightness". However, augites only look shiny some of the time. Most augites have a dull (dark green, brown or black) color. Augite is a pyroxene.

Augite
General
CategorySilicate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ca,Mg,Fe)SiO3
Identification
ColorPale brown to purplish or greenish brown, also dark grey sometimes
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Cleavage{110} good
Fractureuneven
Mohs scale hardness5 to 6.5
LusterVitreous
StreakGreenish-white
Specific gravity3.19 - 3.56
Refractive indexα = 1.671 - 1.735, β = 1.672 - 1.741, γ = 1.703 - 1.774
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