mineral

Bronzite

Enstatite (magnesium iron silicate), (Mg,Fe2+)SiO3

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Brown, greenish-brown, or bronze. Luster: Vitreous to submetallic, characteristic schiller effect. Crystal System: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Good prismatic. Specific Gravity: 3.3-3.4

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Color: Brown, greenish-brown, or bronze
Luster: Vitreous to submetallic, characteristic schiller effect

Identified August 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly mafic and ultramafic rocks like norite, gabbro, and peridotite, as well as in some stony meteorites. Geological age varies widely based on host rock formation.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, such as beaded bracelets, cabochons, and ornamental carvings due to its chatoyant bronze-like flash.

Geological facts

The distinctive bronze schiller (metallic sheen) is caused by submicroscopic iron-rich lamellae exsolved within the crystal structure. It is often referred to in historical metaphysical contexts as a stone of courtesy and focused action.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive brown color and characteristic submetallic bronze schiller reflecting light off cleavage planes. Found globally, including in South Africa, Austria, Germany, Greenland, and the USA.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral