Augite

/ˈɔːdʒaɪt/ noun

Definition

A dark mineral containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and silica that commonly forms in igneous rocks like basalt.

Etymology

From German 'Augit', possibly derived from Latin 'augere' (to increase) because it was thought to increase in size, or from a Greek root. The term was coined in the 18th century as geologists classified minerals.

Kelly Says

Augite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and makes up a huge part of the rocks beneath our feet—it's literally part of the ocean floor and continental crust!

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