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Gem Profile- Bronzite

by Judy Ellis
Bronzite is a variety of enstatite that is also associated with hypersthene, which contains silica, magnesium, oxygen, and iron; this is similar to the structure of the serpentine group of minerals. (Bronzite has more iron than enstatite and more magnesium (and less iron) than hypersthenes).
Branzite is distinguished from related stones by its high iron content, which can reach up to 20%.

From a distance, it may look like brown tiger's-eye or even a piece of metal, but up close, the surface reveals a rock speckled with brown, gold, and black patches of iron or hematite.

Depending on the rough material and the cut, bronzite can display a cat's-eye chatoyant effect or a subtle, weathered pearly sheen.

Examples of Bronzite cabochons and beads. Bronzite is a shiny golden-brown stone with lots of visual texture!
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Bronzite - , General Education, , Bronzite cabs and beads
Bronzite has been found on every continent, including Antarctica, though Antarctic samples were never mined.

In 1988, bronzite was identified in meteorites studied in Antarctica. While there is land under the ice, the 1959 Antarctic Treaty prohibits mineral mining.

Significant deposits of bronzite exist in Brazil, Africa, England, Greenland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and North America, especially New York.

Labrador, Canada, known for labradorite, also produces hypersthene with a chatoyant effect. It is quarried from cliffs or washed up on shores along with labradorite.

Hypersthene is sometimes mistaken for hornblende, but it is harder, which is reflected in its Greek-derived name meaning "over strength."

A hydrated form of bronzite, more similar to serpentine and found in green or brown, is called baitite of schillerspar. This occurs in the Harz Mountains of northern Germany.

Bronzite is opaque and typically cut into cabochons or beads rather than faceted.

It has only become widely known to collectors in recent decades and is steadily growing in popularity.

Wire wrapped bronzite pendant by Rose Marion, wrapped in bronze wire.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Bronzite - , General Education, , Bronzite cab wire wrapped pendant
Bronzite in Jewelry and Bronzite Meaning

Bronzite is softer than quartz, with a Moh's Hardness of 5-6, but is still durable enough to hold up in most kinds of jewelry, including special-occasion rings. Due to its bronze color, this is a good stone for both feminine and masculine jewelry designs.

Simply wipe with a moist cloth to clean this material.

Bronzite is associated with the Leo zodiac sign, and is associated with a large number of metaphysical benefits, including bringing confidence in oneself and one's judgments, as well as aid in seeing the "big picture," making business decisions, and relieving stress.
Resources & Recommended Reading

Bronzite, Encyclopaedia Britannica 1911 (may take a few minutes to load) paste full sentence here Click Here

Petrochemical study of enstatite in Antarctica
Antarctica: Wikipedia
Discovering the Gemstone Bronzite

Materials

Wire
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Bronzite Beads
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Bronzite Cabochons
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Bronzite 10mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-80
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.45
  • Gold Club Price: $7.09
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Bronzite 10x14mm Oval Cabochon - Pack of 2
E8-26B
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.33
  • Gold Club Price: $4.00
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Bronzite 15x30mm Oval Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-85
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
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Bronzite 22x30mm Rectangle Cabochon - Pack of 1
E8-26R
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  • Price: $5.32
  • Gold Club Price: $3.99
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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  • Price: $170.72
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Bench Tools
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education

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