mineral

Bronzite

Enstatite (var. Bronzite), (Mg,Fe)SiO3

Hardness: 5.5-6.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Bronze-brown with metallic schiller; Luster: Sub-metallic to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Good in two directions at 90 degrees; Specific gravity: 3.2-3.5.

Hardness: 5
Color: Bronze-brown with metallic schiller
Luster: Sub-metallic to pearly

Identified March 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like gabbro and peridotite, as well as in some meteorites. It is an iron-bearing variety of enstatite that has undergone alteration. Geological age varies by source deposit, ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as an ornamental stone in jewelry (cabochons, beads) and for decorative carvings. It is popular in the metaphysical and gemstone collecting communities for its unique metallic luster.

Geological facts

Bronzite is often called the 'stone of courtesy' in metaphysical circles. Its characteristic bronze-like metallic sheen is caused by very thin, fibrous inclusions of iron oxides or hydroxides along cleavage planes that reflect light.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinctive golden-bronze chatoyancy (shimmer) when rotated under light and its heavy, dark brown appearance. Commonly found in South Africa, Austria, Greenland, and Norway. High-quality specimens show a dense, wood-grain-like chatoyant effect.