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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Augite
A separate mineral species within the pyroxene group. Its basic name in GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A.1 is "Augite", and it should not be loosely called just pyroxene. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Augite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- Caring for and wearing AugiteDurability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of AugiteEach value with its source and check date
- Augite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Has any of GIA, FTC, CIBJO or Gem-A put a name for it on record here?
- Name origin and history of AugiteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing AugiteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define AugiteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Augite is a monoclinic pyroxene whose approximate formula is (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6. Mafic igneous rocks such as gabbro and basalt depend on it as an essential mineral; ultramafic rocks commonly contain it; and it is also present in metamorphosed iron formations and certain high-grade metamorphic rocks. Its crystals tend to be stubby and prismatic with square or octagonal cross sections, sometimes displaying exsolution lamellae and zoning. As a pyroxene-group mineral it preserves a record of magmatic crystallization and subsequent metamorphic overprinting.
Scope: Applies to the genesis, composition, occurrence and crystal form of augite as a natural monoclinic pyroxene mineral species; does not cover synthetic materials.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Mafic igneous rocks (basalt, gabbro)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Ultramafic rocks
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Certain high-grade metamorphic rocks, and metamorphosed iron formations
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
Mafic magma cools and crystallizes, with augite forming as an essential rock-forming mineral.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Crystals grow as stubby prisms with square or octagonal sections and may develop zoning.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
During cooling, exsolution lamellae develop between augite and other pyroxenes.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In high-grade metamorphic and metamorphosed iron-formation settings, augite may recrystallize or remain stable.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Augite may be black, brown, greenish or violet-brown, colorless to gray in thin section; stubby prismatic crystals show square or octagonal sections with clear cores zoned to dark rims, and a vitreous to resinous luster.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The source states no timescale for augite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Supporting findings
Augite is essential in mafic igneous rocks (basalt, gabbro) and common in ultramafic rocks.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes augite's igneous occurrence; it is not present in every mafic rock.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Augite is additionally found in metamorphosed iron formations and in certain high-grade metamorphic rocks.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes augite's metamorphic occurrence; it is not the dominant metamorphic mineral.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Asia
- Tomik, Gilgit, KarakoramClassic specimen locality
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Arendal, NorwayClassic specimen locality
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Vesuvius, Campania, ItalyClassic specimen locality
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Laacher See area, Eifel, GermanyClassic specimen locality
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Franklin, Sussex County, New Jersey, United StatesClassic specimen locality
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Seas and coasts
- WorldwideWidespread rock-forming mineral; Mindat lists 3,637 localities
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · Mindat: Augite
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
Augite draws its English name from a Greek term for lustre, apparently because of how its cleavage surface looks.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Augite has an approximate formula (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6 and belongs to the pyroxene group.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes augite's composition and group; actual composition varies with solid solution.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Augite forms stubby prismatic crystals with square or octagonal sections, commonly with exsolution lamellae and zoning, and is associated with orthoclase, sanidine, labradorite, olivine, leucite and amphiboles.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes augite's habit, internal structures and associations; not its age.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source states no absolute geological timescale for augite formation.
- The source does not quantify augite's compositional range or specific P-T conditions.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Augite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Augite” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Augite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Augite is Augite; use "Augite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.1, row 普通辉石 (Augite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Augite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
No institutional care guidance is registered for this material yet; below are its durability indicators and general guidance.
Durability and wearing
Numbers in curly braces, such as {111}, are crystallographic face symbols (Miller indices): each marks a set of crystal faces or cleavage planes. They are reproduced as written in the cited source.
Toughness
Brittle
Fracture
Uneven to conchoidal
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Daily wear
Pyroxene ranks 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, brittle with a good {110} cleavage (about 87°); daily wear should avoid impact and abrasion.
Care
As a brittle material with cleavage, clean gently with warm, mild soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, sudden temperature changes, and impact or rubbing against hard objects.
General guidance: LumaLark's general guidance inferred from the material's properties (hardness, toughness, cleavage); not text from the cited source, and not a guarantee for any specific piece.
Scope: This field describes the general properties of the material and does not constitute a durability or safety guarantee for any specific finished product; the durability of treated (filled/dyed/coated) or composite pieces must be assessed separately.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Chinese standard nameThe Chinese formal name for Augite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1; both the mineralogical name and the entry's own English name are Augite, and Japan's GSJ formal name is written in kanji. Names in four languagesNames are given in four languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Augite) and Japanese (kanji and a katakana transliteration). Recommended listing nameThe suggested listing name is Augite. Institution usageOn authority wording, the FTC and CIBJO texts on file have no wording for this name (checked), and GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position. Recommended listing nameWhen listing, Pyroxene should not be used as a blanket substitute for the specific species name.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 普通輝石
- Chinese formal name
- 普通辉石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Augite
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 普通辉石
- 繁體中文
- 普通輝石
- English
- Augite
- 日本語
- 普通輝石／オージャイト
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
The material facts registered for Augite itself are: chemical formula (Ca,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)2O6; monoclinic; density 3.23–3.52 g/cm³; refractive index 1.67–1.772; birefringence 0.018–0.033; untreated pleochroism light green, light brown, greenish yellow; UV-visible spectrum not diagnostic. Registered from the clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group): crystalline; Mohs hardness 5–6, with two directions of perfect cleavage, usually not visible in aggregates; density 3.1–3.52 g/cm³; optical character anisotropic, biaxial, positive; refractive index 1.66–1.772; birefringence 0.008–0.033; the cat's-eye effect and four-rayed asterism can occur; vitreous lustre when untreated. For hardness, density, refractive index, birefringence and other values taken from pyroxene (the whole mineral group), the site note explains that the clause has finer sub-ranges and the overall value is used.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Augite page; see the material facts on the Pyroxene entry.
Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Augite (how to read class-level values).
Definition
Augite — composition (chemistry): augite: (Ca,Mg,Fe)2(Si,Al)2O6.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Chemical composition · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Structure
Augite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic for diopside, augite and spodumene; orthorhombic for enstatite.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Crystal system · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — structure (crystal habit): usually prismatic, sometimes forming flaky, radiating or fibrous aggregates; augite can form platy crystals.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Durability
Augite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Augite — cleavage: cleaves perfectly in two directions; aggregates normally show no cleavage.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Physical properties
Augite — density: 3.1–3.52 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Augite — density: 3.23–3.52 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Density · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Optical
Augite — optic character: biaxial, optically positive (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — refractive index: 1.66–1.772
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Augite — refractive index: 1.67–1.772
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Refractive index · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — birefringence: 0.008–0.033
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Augite — birefringence: 0.018–0.033
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Birefringence · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — pleochroism: trichroism, weak to strong. Diopside shows light to dark green; enstatite shows brownish yellow and yellow, or green and yellow-green; augite shows light green, light brown and green-yellow. Pink-red to blue-purple-red spodumene is moderate to strong, showing pink-red and light purple-red; colorless and green spodumene is moderate, showing blue-green and yellow-green.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — pleochroism: light green, light brown, greenish yellow
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Pleochroism · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 UV-visible spectrum (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — optical effect (asterism): seen; a four-pointed star
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Augite — body colour: greyish brown, brown, purplish brown, greenish black.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Cat’s-eye, Andalusite, Sillimanite and other variety clauses also name brown or a brownish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Colour · Augite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy, asterism
Quality factors
Augite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.716 / 3.31; Closest values: 1Vesuvianite / Idocrase 1.711 / 3.38, 2Hydrogrossular 1.7 / 3.35, 3Tanzanite 1.696 / 3.28, 4Epidote 1.737 / 3.38, 5Axinite 1.683 / 3.31
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Clause-level definitions
Clause-level definitions for Augite are registered in GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A and in the IMA Mineral List entry. In GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A the term is Augite and the definition reads Augite; the cross-check shows it is listed directly by GB/T, and CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name. In the IMA Mineral List entry the term is also Augite, with the definition Augite (Ca,Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 A 1988 s.p.; it is cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data).
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augite | GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A | Augite | Listed directly by GB/T; CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name. |
| Augite | IMA Mineral List entry | Augite (Ca,Mg,Fe)2Si2O6 A 1988 s.p. | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
Related-entry tree for Pyroxene on this site: 2 entries listed by this site's parent-entry links; synthetic, treated and similar entries carry their recorded state after the name; this page (Augite) is marked.
- Pyroxene
Sub-entries (1)
- Augite
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Augite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.