Augite
| Colour | Black, Brown, Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 to 6 |
| Lustre | Vitreous, resinous to dull |
| Streak | Greenish-white |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | {110} good with 87° between {110} and {10}; parting on {100} and {010} |
| Fracture | uneven to conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.19–3.56 |
What is Augite?
Augite, also known as Augurite, is a common rock-forming pyroxene mineral with formula (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6. The crystals are monoclinic and prismatic. Augite has two prominent cleavages, meeting at angles near 90 degrees.
How to identify Augite
- Lustre: Vitreous, resinous to dull.
- Hardness: Mohs 5.5 to 6 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: Greenish-white.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Augite in different forms
Stones often confused with Augite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Augite?
Augite is Mohs 5.5 to 6 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Augite?
Augite is typically black, brown, green (Black, brown, greenish, violet-brown; in thin section, colorless to gray with zoning common).