Pyroxenes are silicate minerals of heavy calcium, iron, and magnesium concentration. Characterized by the general formula BCT2O6, they are typical constituents of mafic rocks. Pyroxenes crystallize after olivines with respect to the discontinuous side of Bowen's Reaction Series.
Structure[]
Pyroxenes fall into two groups: orthopyroxenes (orthorhombic) and clinopyroxenes (monoclinic).
Orthopyroxenes[]
Include:
- Enstatite
- Ferrosilite
Clinopyroxenes[]
Include:
- Diopside
- Pigeonite
- Aegerine
- Hedenbergite