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Home » Minerals » Augite

Augite


Mineral Properties and Uses



What is Augite?



Augite is a rock-forming silicate mineral of the pyroxene group. It is an important mineral in many basic igneous rocks.


Physical Properties of Augite

Uses No significant commercial uses of augite
Color dark green to black
Streak white to gray, augite can be slightly harder than a streak plate so brittle fragments rather than a powder will sometimes be produced
Luster vitreous
Diaphaneity translucent to opaque
Cleavage prismatic
Mohs Hardness 5.5 - 6
Specific Gravity 3.2 - 3.6
Distinguishing Characteristics two cleavage directions almost at right angles, dark green to black color
Chemical Composition a complex silicate - (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)2O6
Crystal System monoclinic




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