pyroxene
Any of a group of dark, dense, rock-forming silicate minerals rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium and commonly found in basalt. Pyroxenes are monoclinic or orthorhombic, have a chain structure, with prismatic cleavage close to 90°, and are related to the amphiboles. The group includes augite, hypersthene, and diopside, with composition varying as a mixture of FeSiO3, MgSiO3, and CaSiO3. Pyroxenite is an igneous rock composed largely of pyroxene. Jadeite and spodumene are commercially important.
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