AUGELITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Augelite, pronounced AWE-geh-lite, was recognized as a mineral species in 1868.  The name is derived from two Greek words: augitēs, meaning “shining,” alluding to the mineral’s bright, vitreous luster; and lithos, or “stone.”   Although rare, augelite is widely distributed and is collected in Canada, Peru, Brazil, Sweden, Japan, Bolivia, Austria, and the United States (California, Maine, South Dakota, Connecticut, Nevada).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Augelite [basic aluminum phosphate, Al₂(PO₄)(OH)₃] crystallizes in the monoclinic system as small, triangular-shaped, tabular and platy crystals.  It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5-5.0, good cleavage in two directions, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and a specific gravity of 2.7.  It is transparent to translucent and usually colorless to white, but occasionally shows pale shades of blue, green, yellow, or pink.  Augelite forms in granite pegmatites, high-temperature hydrothermal veins, and metamorphosed sedimentary formations.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Because of its rarity and pale colors, augelite has no use in jewelry, although it is sometimes cut into small collectors’ gems.  While augelite has no technological uses, the study of its structure has contributed significantly to the understanding of atomic bonding in minerals.  According to modern metaphysical practitioners, augelite aids in contemplation and is favored by artists for its ability to sustain creativity and productivity.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Augelite is collected for its rarity.  Especially in demand are relatively large augelite crystals up to one-quarter inch in size.