Pyroxene

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Pyroxene is a ferromagnesian or "mafic" mineral which has a high crystallization temperature and is sometimes seen as crystals in volcanic glass.

Pyroxenes silicates all contain Si₂O₆ but some have Iron (FeSi₂O₆), Magnesium (MgSi₂O₆), Sodium (NaSi₂O₆), Calcium (CaSi₂O₆) or a combination of the four elements. Other, more rare elements that can replace these include zinc, manganese and lithium. Pyroxene minerals are common in meteorites and the extrusive igneous rock called basalt.

The various members of the pyroxene group include:

• augite
• aegrine
• enstatite
• diopside
• hedenbergite
• hypersthene
• spodumene
• wollastonite
• etc.