Hornblende vs. Augite — What's the Difference?

Hornblende is a complex inosilicate series of minerals (ferrohornblende – magnesiohornblende). It is not a recognized mineral in its own right, but the name is used as a general or field term, to refer to a dark amphibole.

Augite is a common rock-forming pyroxene mineral with formula (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6. The crystals are monoclinic and prismatic.

The most common mineral in the amphibole group, CaNa(Mg,Fe)4(Al,Fe,Ti)3Si6O22(OH,F)2 commonly green to black, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

A dark-green to black pyroxene mineral, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)2O6, that contains large amounts of aluminum, iron, and magnesium.

(mineral) A green to black amphibole mineral, of complex structure, formed in the late stages of cooling in igneous rock.

(mineral) A variety of pyroxene, usually of a black or dark green color, occurring in igneous rocks, such as basalt.

The common black, or dark green or brown, variety of amphibole. (See Amphibole.) It belongs to the aluminous division of the species, and is also characterized by its containing considerable iron. Also used as a general term to include the whole species.

A variety of pyroxene, usually of a black or dark green color, occurring in igneous rocks, such as basalt; - also used instead of the general term pyroxene.

A green to black mineral of the amphibole group; consists of silicates of calcium and sodium and magnesium and iron

Dark-green to black glassy mineral of the pyroxene group containing large amounts of aluminum and iron and magnesium