Bronzite is an iron-rich variety of enstatite, a pyroxene mineral, and it earns its name honestly. Polished stones glow with a warm, metallic bronze sheen, caused by light bouncing off tiny plate-like inclusions inside the stone. It is usually a deep chocolate brown with golden shimmer running through it. Notable sources include Brazil, South Africa, Austria and the USA. It is not a mainstream jewellery stone, which is part of its appeal: it looks handsome and a little different, especially in men's pieces.
Bronzite sits at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and, like other pyroxenes, it has cleavage, so it prefers a gentle life. It is cut as cabochons and beads to bring out that bronze glow, and it suits pendants, bracelets and occasional-wear rings. Store it separately from harder gems that could scratch it. Cleaning is simple: warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, nothing harsher. Its low price makes it an easy way to add something distinctive to a collection.
Hypersthene is a close pyroxene cousin with a silvery flash, and tiger's eye shares that golden-brown shimmer.
