augitÉ™

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mineral: "augite" is a common, dark-colored rock-forming mineral of the pyroxene group, typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is composed mainly of calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon, and oxygen.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist identified the dark crystals in the basalt as augite. (A mineral found in volcanic rock.)
  • Augite is often associated with other minerals like feldspar and olivine. (A common component of certain rock types.)

Advanced Usage

• "augite-bearing rock": rock containing augite as a significant component.

  • The augite-bearing gabbro was studied for its mineral composition. (Rock that includes augite in its structure.)

• "augite phenocrysts": large, visible crystals of augite in a finer-grained rock matrix.

  • The thin section showed augite phenocrysts surrounded by a groundmass of plagioclase. (Large augite crystals embedded in smaller crystals.)

Variants and Related Words

• Augitic (adj): relating to or containing augite.

  • The augitic composition of the lava flow indicates a mafic origin. (Describes rock with augite characteristics.)

• Augitite (n): a rock type composed almost entirely of augite.

  • Augitite is a rare volcanic rock rich in this mineral. (A specific rock name derived from augite.)

Synonyms

• Pyroxene: a broader group of silicate minerals that includes augite.
• Clinopyroxene: a subclass of pyroxenes to which augite belongs.

Related Idioms

• (None commonly used; "augite" is a technical term primarily in geology.)