Augite stone: properties and who it suits according to zodiac sign

Augite stone is a fairly common mineral. The stone got its name from its external characteristics; translated from the Greek, the word “augite” means brilliance and radiance. In fact, the shades of the stone are striking in their diversity, they seem to radiate radiance from within. The color of the gem can range from green to black, however, in most cases the stones have a uniform color.

Jewelry made from augite can be found quite rarely, and gems are used mainly as inserts. Typically, bright and opaque stones can be found in jewelry; the latter, as a rule, are processed into cabochons.

Jewelry with these stones is found in China, Italy and India.

Latin name: augites

What is

The mineral augite is a prism crystal of the full green range; there are almost black specimens.

Almost always low-transparent, with a matte sheen. There are almost transparent shiny samples.

Unlike other minerals, augite looks shiny even without treatment.

The glassy sheen suggested the name of the gem: in Greek it means “radiance, shine . Under this name, the stone was introduced into history in 1792 by the great German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner.

History of discovery

In 1786, Abraham Gottlob Werner, a teacher at the Freiberg Mining Academy, began to classify the minerals known at that time. The matter did not proceed quickly, since it was accompanied by research into samples stored at the academy, but without scientific definitions or established names.

Augite, hitherto nameless except for popular nicknames, came to Werner’s laboratory table only in 1792. After conducting a series of experiments and carefully examining the specimen under a magnifying glass, the scientist ordered:

• for its bright shine, contrasting with the dull appearance of the sample, give the mineral the name “augite”, which means “sparkling”;
• assign augite to the silicon order and make it the ancestor of a whole genus called augites.

Physico-chemical characteristics

Augite is a silicate of the pyroxene group with a complex, variable composition. The main component is iron. Its concentration creates color varieties of the mineral.

Varieties

Augite is conventionally divided according to the content of Fe and Mg (in at.%) into the following varieties:

• Magnesian augite - magnesian augite Mg 45-70, Fe 0-10.
• Augite (actually) - augite Mg 30-60, Fe 10-40.
• Ferroaugite - ferroaugite Mg 10-40, Fe 30-60.
• Ferrohedenbergite - ferrohedenbergite Mg 0-10, Fe 45-70.

* Fe = Fez+, Fe3+, Mn, Ti.

The names magnesian augite and ferroaugite are given based on the contents of Mg and Fe, which are greater than in augite itself; ferrogedenbergite - due to a higher iron content than hedenbergite.

According to the Ca content, these varieties include calcium-poor augite and ferroaugite (Ca0.36-0.6) and calcium-rich magnesian augite, augite proper, ferroaugite, ferrogedenbergite (CaO0.80-0.84 in the formula unit).

Since the boundaries between these varieties are determined only by chemical composition, and other properties are not clearly expressed, they are not described separately.

The literature also describes poor and aluminum-rich augites, sodium, titanium, chromium augites - ferrogedenbergites; all of them do not even have conventional boundaries with the main varieties.

Where is it mined?

The igneous origin ensured the wide distribution of the rock.

There are deposits on all continents:

• Europe - Ukraine, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Norway;
• Asia – India, Pakistan, Japan, China;
• Africa – Kenya, Namibia.

Plus Greenland, both Americas (USA, Mexico), Australia.

In Russia, stone is mined in the Urals, Kamchatka, the Kola Peninsula, and eastern Siberia.

Origin and location

Most often a rock-forming mineral of various igneous rocks. It is found primarily in basic volcanic rocks, including basalts, partly in andesites, phonolites and volcanic ashes. On our planet, augite is found everywhere - in almost all rocks of igneous origin. Augite is also found in kimberlite pipes.

This is interesting!

Augite is a legitimate celestial. It has been reliably established that meteorites arriving on Earth often contain one or more varieties of augite. Augite has also been found in lunar soil and regolith.

Where is it used?

Augite is beautiful, but fragile. These properties predetermined the areas of application of the gem:

• Jewelers classify it as ornamental, so the products are inexpensive. The most valuable setting for cabochons is silver.
• Dark green stones are prized by master stone cutters . They found especially wide use in the Celestial Empire, where augite is called “Chinese onyx.”
• Collectors dream of getting their hands on nuggets from France and Russia.

Global suppliers of jewelry with stones are India, China, Italy.

Areas of application of augite

Augite is an affordable ornamental material and is often used to create jewelry and inexpensive crafts. Transparent minerals look great in earrings and rings, pendants and bracelets. The setting for the stone can be made of silver or other metals.

Unusual crystals are mined on many continents and can be found in the collections of famous collectors. The cut of augite gives it even more splendor, so it can be used for interior decoration. The mineral is also used in other industries.

The jewelry industry also uses augite to create beautiful pieces. Despite the fact that the mineral is quite fragile by nature, jewelers are able to create real works of art from it. Coloring landscapes of gems allows the mineral to be used in famous brands. Usually the crystals are only partially translucent, but during cutting and polishing the effect becomes stronger.

Augite is not a stone of noble origin; it belongs to the group of ornamental stones. The stone is often combined with jewelry alloys based on copper. What shape a stone is cut into is very important in Italy and other countries. There you can find products made of augite in platinum, gold and silver.

Price

In Russia, the assortment of gemstones is limited, but the price is affordable (RUB):

• bracelet (larvikite, chiastolite, augite, hematite) – 1,250;
• beads (from the same gems) – 1,650;
• cabochon (6.5x6x3.2 cm; 1.1 carats) – 630.

At this price you can buy handmade products. There are no products from large jewelry companies.

Price, storage, care

Since there is no shortage of this mineral in nature, the products are inexpensive. If they ask for a high price, they justify it by saying that the stone is natural. Collectors can buy a piece at an inflated price if it is unique. A crystal measuring 5x8 centimeters can cost either 500 or 5 thousand rubles.

Exclusive products are valued for their artistic processing. An oval brooch or ring without a frame can be found for 700-1000 rubles. A bracelet made of beads without artistic processing - for the same amount.

Important!

It is advisable to store jewelry in a separate box so that different stones do not touch. It is not difficult to care for: regularly, but not often, polish with suede or thin felt.

Magic properties

Esotericists have established that the influence of augite is determined by the shade:

• A money-colored stone (green) is recommended for businessmen, clients seeking to get rich, or financiers. His magic will bring abundance, business success, and suggest solutions to fundamental issues. Along the way, the owner will become more reasonable and will think pragmatically.
• Brown specimens have the meaning of neutralizing experiences, melancholy, and torment.
• Dark minerals are the allies of a person aimed at spiritual improvement.

The green range of stones up to black protects against problems caused by the environment.

A nugget or piece of jewelry is equally suitable as a talisman.

Use for healing

Healing stone is important for humans. Traditional healers use it to treat eye diseases, heart and vascular diseases. By the way, black-green augite is often used as a love spell (powder from the mineral is added to drinks). It is believed that mental disorders are also susceptible to the influence of the dark gem.

It is noticed that the patient interacting with the stone improves the condition caused by the disease of the cerebral cortex. the mineral calms and balances, relieves depression, and puts you in an optimistic mood.

How to care and wear?

Augite is highly fragile and therefore requires careful care and storage. It is recommended to store it separately from other, harder minerals. To do this, you will need a box or case with soft upholstery inside. If there are several gems, then each of them must be wrapped in soft cloth.

To clean the stone, use warm running water and soap with a natural composition. It is better to dry it naturally or using a flannel napkin.

Augite should not be allowed to come into contact with perfumes and cosmetics, acidic and abrasive cleaning compounds. It is recommended to remove stone products before taking a bath, swimming in the pool, playing sports or visiting the sauna.

Compatibility of the stone with zodiac signs

When figuring out who the stone is suitable for and for whom it is useless, you should remember that the astrological properties of the universal mineral affect representatives of the zodiac signs differently:

• In Aries, it develops organization, punctuality, and protects health.
• Taurus protects from the evil eye.
• With the help of Augite, Geminis become more confident in their abilities, less emotional and hot-tempered.
• For Cancers, the gem acts as a personal doctor. Improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, has a beneficial effect on vision.
• Helps Leos cope with problems, supports.
• Virgos feel that with an augite amulet they are more attractive to the opposite sex.
• It becomes easier for Libra to help others.
• Scorpios, having become the owners of augite jewelry, normalize the nervous system.
• Sagittarius will feel a craving for spiritual life and will succeed in creativity.
• Capricorn will strengthen relationships with relatives and colleagues.
• The mineral's compatibility with Aquarius is ideal.
• In Pisces, the stone will develop creative abilities.

Also read: Mukaite is one of the varieties of jasper

From the point of view of esotericists, there is not a single zodiac sign for which Augite is contraindicated. The magical properties are not affected by the name, outfit, or hair color. Everyone can use the gem for increased material well-being, good luck, and new achievements. You can wear it on any finger.

Is this stone right for you?

Difference from fake

Due to its low cost, augite is rarely counterfeited. In rare cases, unscrupulous sellers sell imitation stones made of plastic or glass. You can distinguish it from natural stone by standard characteristics:

• weight – the specific gravity of natural stones is significantly higher compared to artificial materials;
• thermal conductivity – true augite keeps cool for a long time.

Natural augite is characterized by a unique pattern that cannot be reproduced artificially.