A single chain inosilicate mineral, meaning that it has interlocking chains of silicate tetrahedrals. Part of the pyroxene group, it can hold significant quantities of aluminium, titanium, and sodium, amongst other elements.
Augite is an essential mineral in mafic igneous rocks, and can also be found to occur in high-temperature metamorphic rocks. These occurrences lead it to be commonly found alongside other rock and minerals such as orthoclase, labradorite, olivine, leucite, and others.
Some specimens have had a shiny appearance, from which its Greek name, augites, which means "brightness", was derived. Ordinarily, specimens have a dull luster of green, brown, or black, sometimes with gray zoning. When found in its transparent form, augite is used as a gem or ornamental stone known as shajar, in parts of India.