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Bronzite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

古铜矿宝石：属性、含义、价值等

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Bronzite (pronounced brawn-zah-ayt) is a mostly brown to black gemstone with speckles of gold scattered throughout. It’s the gemological name and abundant, iron-bearing variety of enstatite.

In its raw (or uncut) form, bronzite appears quite ordinary, but a good polishing reveals its metallic beauty hiding right in plain sight!

Ever wish you could carry around a shield to keep away the bad vibes? Bronzite stone healing properties are associated with protection, grounding, and bouncing back energies sent your way — both good and bad.

This underrated gem can be found all over the world and beyond, but more on that in a bit! 

What else is bronzite good for? Learn all about this mysterious stone’s meanings, properties, value, and more in our Bronzite Gemstone Guide.

About Bronzite Gemstone

How’d bronzite get its name anyway? Just look at its bronzey appearance!

Curiously, the name ‘bronzite’ is an older name for the interval within the solid-solution series of enstatite. However, the mineral name is rarely used in modern mineralogy today.

Is there another name for bronzite then? Besides ‘enstatite’, the semi-precious gemstone has also been known as ‘bastite’ or ‘schiller spar.’ But for the sake of this guide, we’ll stick to ‘bronzite!’

Although bronzite isn’t a traditional zodiac stone, the stone has come to be associated with the zodiac sign of Leo in astrology.

So how do you identify bronzite? Understanding the stone’s mineral traits can help.

Bronzite Specifications & Characteristics

At a distance, it’s easy to confuse bronzite crystal for tiger’s eye. However, bronzite’s surface is freckled with honey-like specks of gold across patches of brown and black, whereas tiger’s eye shows more of a striped pattern. Additionally, tiger’s eye has more silky luster, whereas bronzite is more metallic. 

Bronzite mainly forms in prismatic crystals with fibrous inclusions, like magnetite and pyrite. You’ll often find bronzite sold in pairs because twinning is also common.

When fractured, bronzite’s metallic schiller (or sheen) meets your eyes along the surfaces of its cleavage. 

Here’s an overview of bronzite’s mineral data:

• Formula: (Mg,Fe2+)2[SiO3]2

• Mineral family: Pyroxene - Inosilicate

• Composition: Magnesium, Silicone, Oxygen

• Mohs hardness: 5 to 5.5

• Color: White, yellowish-green, brown, greenish-white, gray

• Crystal structure: Orthorhombic

• Luster: Submetallic; Vitreous to pearly when polished.

• Transparency: Opaque (mostly) to translucent

• Refractive index: 1.67

• Density: 3.1 to 3.3

• Cleavage: {110} Distinct, {010} Distinct

• Fracture: Brittle

• Streak: Gray

• Luminescence: None

• Pleochroism: Present, weak to strong; Can show shifts in pale green to pale orange

• Variety: Baitite of schillerspar, a hydrated form of green to brown bronzite (more like serpentine) found in the Harz, the highest mountain range in northern Germany.

Shifting gears, let’s take a peek into bronzite’s past. 

Bronzite History: Past & Today

Bronzite’s history is quite obscure, despite its abundant uses throughout the decades. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some tidbits to paint us a picture of how it was used.

The mineral was first described in 1906 by W. Wahl and originated in the Greco-Latin world. It was recognized under the name of ‘enstatite’ derived from Greek enstates, meaning “opponent” — referencing the mineral’s refractory nature.

In Ancient Rome, they believed bronzite to be a therapeutic and protective mineral. The Romans often used powdered bronzite to ward off physical disorders and mental illnesses. The stone was also a popular protective amulet thought to have magical, prophetic powers.

Today, bronzite is highly appreciated in several industries outside of crystal collectors. Other uses include:

• In goldsmith’s and silversmith’s art

• To make watercolor pigments

• In residential and commercial countertops

The stone makes a beautiful addition to jewels such as rings, bracelets, and pendants. It’s also regaining popularity in the crystal healing communities. 

Speaking of healing, what is the meaning of bronzite?

Bronzite Healing Properties

Most crystals can be used as powerful healing stones aiding in your mental, physical, or spiritual wellness — bronzite crystals are believed to support your entire self.

Like many black crystals, bronzite is said to be a powerful stone of protection, grounding, and strength. Its energies are said to support every facet of your being.

Here’s how bronzite can upgrade your mind, body, and soul. 

Physical Healing

Purportedly, bronzite helps your physical body transition through its cycles returning you from an alkaline state into an acidic balance. 

Feeling low on energy? Are your mid-day espressos not doing the trick like before? Bronzite boosts your stamina, making you feel energetic and refreshed. It’s said to soothe your nerves and stimulate blood flow.

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, bronzite is thought to rid you of excess worries, so you feel more grounded and in control. It keeps your head clear of turmoil reducing stress and anxiety while boosting your confidence and ability to make decisions.

Next time you find yourself wavering, try meditating with bronzite. Affirmations like “I breathe in self-confidence and breathe out doubts” can also be repeated to help you find your center. 

Chakra Healing

Bronzite can also be used as a chakra stone to balance two of seven energy centers along your body, called chakras. The chakras bronzite is associated with the sacral and root chakra.

Your sacral chakra is located below the navel and governs sensuality, creativity, and enjoyment of life. When blocked, you become codependent and emotionally overwhelmed. Bronzite unblocks your sacral chakra allowing the energies of your creative, sexual, and emotional self to flow freely.

Your root chakra is located at the base of your spine and encompasses survival, instincts, and stability. When blocked, feelings of insecurity and being lost are overwhelming. Bronzite opens your root chakra, making you feel grounded and secure physically and emotionally.

Spiritual Healing

Bronzite’s spiritual meaning is one of reciprocity. As the “stone of courtesy”, it reciprocates whatever energy you received right back to the source. For instance, the good vibrations sent to you will also be received by the person putting them out. However, any negative energy sent your way will similarly be received by the source, as well. 

How’s that for karmic balance?

So where do you put bronzite to keep yourself shielded? On your person. Wearing bronzite or keeping it in your pocket will create a protective shield around you at all times. 

Next, let’s see what properties you want to keep in mind when shopping for bronzite. 

Bronzite Crystal Properties

Every gem has characteristics that help experts determine its worth. Most gemstones are graded on color, cut, clarity, and carat weight, but bronzite is graded solely on color and cut.

Color

Bronzite color is typically greenish-black to brown with glittery, golden specks and swirls. Gems often display a chatoyant effect similar to a cat’s eye. 

Its black hues are thanks to iron and hematite elements, while bronzite’s famous golden flecks are caused by its fibrous inclusions. 

Bronzite’s rarest color is green, typically garnering these specimens the highest prices.

Unpolished, bronzite looks almost mundane. Its surface is dull and unappealing. However, when polished or tumbled, its hidden splendor is uncovered. 

Cut

Due to its opaque nature, bronzite is rarely faceted. Instead, it’s commonly shaped into beads or cut into cabochons.

The mineral’s durability and eclectic appearance make it popular for carvings and statues because bronzite resembles bronze but has the durability of a stone.

Bronzite raw is widely available and affordable. You can purchase specimens polished and unpolished. 

On that note, how does bronzite form?

Bronzite Formation & Sources

Bronzite occurs in most mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like serpentinites, peridotites, gabbros, and norites. It also occurs in some crystalline schist.

A 1988 study of meteorites in Antarctica also showed that some meteors contain bronzite. 

Geographically, where can you find bronzite?

Mining Locations

The most popular bronzite specimens come from the mines of Bahia Cansanção in Brazil. However, this mineral can be found on every continent on the globe!

Some of bronzite’s other notable occurrences include:

• Antarctica

• Argentina

• Australia

• Austria

• Burkina Faso

• Canada

• China

• Czech Republic

• East Timor

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Greenland

• Hungary

• India

• Iran

• Italy

• Ivory Coast

• Japan

• Lesotho

• Madagascar

• Namibia

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Philippines

• Poland

• Portugal

• Republic of the Congo

• Romania

• Russia

• Slovakia

• Solomon Islands

• South Africa

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Tanzania

• United Kingdom

• Ukraine

• United States
  

…and the Moon!

Ready to splurge on some super-lunar bronzite of your own? Here’s a cost breakdown to help you prep your budget. 

Bronzite Price & Value

In terms of affordability, bronzite raw is the most inexpensive way to buy the mineral. Raw specimens cost around $0.02 to $0.60 per gram. Higher-quality stones can garner prices as high as $2 per gram.

Bronzite cabochons are also quite accessible and easy to find. Prices fluctuate between $0.09 to $0.25 per carat. Higher-end pieces can cost around $0.30 to $0.75 per carat. 

Although bronzite is rarely faceted into fancy gemstone shapes, faceted beads are quite common in bronzite jewelry. However, they’re usually sold in ready-made strands for use in necklaces or bracelets.

Bronzite beaded strands typically wholesale for around $0.65 to $1.90 per inch.

Rings and pendants vary in price depending on what alloy is used. 

For the most part, bronzite rings cost around $16 to $90 but can be found for as low as $6. Bronzite pendants generally cost between $10 and $55. However, lower-end pieces can be found for as little as $5, while some higher-end pendants can fetch prices as high as $170. 

Bronzite carvings are very popular and available for sale at various price points. You can find smaller, low to mid-quality carvings starting at around $2. On the other end of the spectrum, higher-end pieces can run you as high as $400. 

All that bronzite’s going to need a little TLC to keep it looking as good as the day you bought it. Let’s talk gemstone care!

Bronzite Care and Maintenance

Bronzite is a fairly durable gem, but it’s still susceptible to cleavage if struck hard enough in just the right spot. Therefore, you should always remove your bronzite jewelry before doing anything too rigorous that could cause your gem to be hit. 

If you accidentally break or cut into it, inhaling bronzite is toxic. This is because the mineral has few contents of silica. However, if you just plan on wearing or meditating with bronzite, it’s completely harmless. 

When cleaning your bronzite, use soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Avoid your bronzite coming into contact with:

• Ultrasonic cleaners

• Harsh cleaning agents

• Boiling water

• Steam

• Sudden temperature changes

Always store your bronzite away from harder gems to avoid blemishing its lustrous surface. Lastly, opt for jewelry with protective settings to keep your bronzite safe.

Free Yourself from Doubt with Bronzite!

There’s a reason for bronzite’s recent resurrection from obscurity. 

This dark and glittery space rock is so much more than just a beautiful gem. It’s a transformative crystal giving you the karmic shield you never knew existed. 

Let go of what holds you back and move forward with bronzite. 

Buy bronzite gemstones today!

Bronzite