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Bronzite
Main Deposits
Austria, Germany, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, USA.
Description and Characteristics
Bronzite is a variety of enstatite belonging to the pyroxene group; it is found mainly in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, such as peridotites and gabbros, as well as in serpentinites. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and is characterised by its high iron content, which gives it a bronze-brown colour and a distinctive submetallic lustre; this visual effect is the result of the presence of microscopic inclusions of iron oxides (hematite or goethite) that align along the planes of exfoliation, creating golden reflections when light strikes them.
| Chemical Formula | $$(Mg,Fe)SiO₃$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous pearly, metallic |
| Streak | Gray to white |
| Fracture | Irregular to splintery |
| Cleavage | Good |
| Hardness | 5-6 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
Did you know...?
Its name derives from a partial alteration that has given it a submetallic sheen resembling bronze.
New-Age Properties
It is known as a stabilizing, regulating, and regenerative stone. Synonymous with protection and inner peace.