- augite
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—augitic /aw jit"ik/, adj./aw"juyt/, n.a silicate mineral, chiefly of calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum: a dark-green to black variety of monoclinic pyroxene, characteristic of basic rocks.[1780-90; < L augitis a kind of precious stone < Gk, equiv. to aug(é) sunlight + -itis, fem. of -ites -ITE1]
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Most common pyroxene mineral, occurring chiefly as blocky crystals in basalts, gabbros, andesites, and various other dark igneous rocks.It also is a common constituent of lunar basalts and meteorites and may be found in certain metamorphic rocks, such as pyroxenites. Because the diopside-hedenbergite series and augite are nearly indistinguishable, the term augite is sometimes used to designate any dark green to black pyroxene with monoclinic symmetry (three unequal crystallographic axes with one oblique intersection).* * *
▪ mineralthe most common pyroxene mineral (a silicate of calcium, magnesium, iron, titanium, and aluminum). It occurs chiefly as thick, tabular crystals in basalts, gabbros, andesites, and various other dark-coloured igneous rocks. It also is a common constituent of lunar basalts and meteorites rich in basaltic material. Augites may be found in certain metamorphic rocks, notably marbles. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see pyroxene (table).* * *
Universalium. 2010.