Augite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Augite |
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| General | |
| Category | Silicate mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) |
(Ca,Mg,Fe)SiO3 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Pale brown to purplish or greenish brown, also dark grey sometimes |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Cleavage | {110} good |
| Fracture | uneven |
| Mohs scale hardness | 5 to 6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | Greenish-white |
| Specific gravity | 3.19 - 3.56 |
| Refractive index | α = 1.671 - 1.735, β = 1.672 - 1.741, γ = 1.703 - 1.774 |
Augite is a very common mineral that you can find in many types of rocks. It belongs to a special group of minerals called pyroxenes. The name augite comes from an old Greek word, augites, which means "brightness." This is a bit funny because augite usually looks quite dull! Most augite minerals are dark green, brown, or black.
Augite is a silicate mineral. This means it contains silicon and oxygen, which are two of the most common elements on Earth.
Contents
What is Augite?
Augite is a mineral that forms deep inside the Earth. It is a key part of many igneous rocks. These rocks form when hot, melted rock (called magma or lava) cools down. Augite is also found in some metamorphic rocks. These rocks change due to heat and pressure.
What Does Augite Look Like?
Augite usually has a dull, dark color. It can be dark green, brown, or black. Sometimes, it might look a bit purplish or greenish-brown. Even though its name means "brightness," it only looks shiny sometimes. When it does, it has a glassy shine, like a piece of glass.
Augite crystals often have a short, blocky shape. They can also look like columns. If you look closely, you might see that augite crystals have two flat surfaces that meet at a special angle. This is called its cleavage.
Where Can You Find Augite?
Augite is one of the most common minerals on Earth. You can find it in many places around the world. It is especially common in rocks that form from volcanoes. These rocks include basalt and gabbro.
- Basalt is a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock. It makes up much of the ocean floor.
- Gabbro is a coarse-grained rock. It forms when magma cools slowly underground.
Augite is also found in some meteorites. This means it exists in space too!
How Does Augite Form?
Augite forms when magma or lava cools down. It is one of the first minerals to crystallize from the hot liquid rock. This happens at high temperatures and pressures deep inside the Earth. As the magma cools, the atoms of calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon, and oxygen come together. They form the specific crystal structure of augite.
What is Augite Used For?
Augite is not used for many things on its own. It is mostly important as a rock-forming mineral. This means it helps make up many of the common rocks around us. Scientists study augite to understand:
- How rocks form.
- The conditions deep inside the Earth.
- The history of volcanoes.
Sometimes, augite is found in small, clear crystals. These might be used as minor gemstones. However, this is not very common. Its main importance is in understanding Earth's geology.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Euhedral crystal of augite from Teide (4.4 x 3.0 x 2.3 cm)
See also
In Spanish: Augita para niños
