augite

[ aw-jahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a silicate mineral, chiefly of calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum: a dark-green to black variety of monoclinic pyroxene, characteristic of basic rocks.

augite

/ ˈɔːɡaɪt; ɔːˈɡɪtɪk /

a black or greenish-black mineral of the pyroxene group, found in igneous rocks. Composition: calcium magnesium iron aluminium silicate. General formula: (Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al) 2 O 6 . Crystal structure: monoclinic

augite

/ ô′jīt′ /

A glassy, dark-green to black variety of pyroxene. Chemical formula: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al) 2 O 6 .

Origin of augite¹

1780–90; < Latin augītis a kind of precious stone < Greek, equivalent to aug ( ḗ ) sunlight + -ītis, feminine of -ītēs -ite ¹

Origin of augite¹

C19: from Latin augītēs, from Greek, from augē brightness

With the exception of quartz and augite, these names are, however, representatives of different classes of minerals.

In the same flow hypersthene-andesite may occur in one portion, while in close proximity the lava is an augite-andesite.

In the more basic phases anhedrons of augite and of olivine appear, and magnetite grains are usually present.

On the spurs west of Nisqually Glacier the andesites contain both pyroxenes, the augite being somewhat the more important.

Below this were strata of trachitic breccia and augite; the formation was then seamy to an unknown depth.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse