Pyroxene Group

• Pyroxene group

  Occur in dark colored igneous and metamorphic rock. Show a single chain structure of silicate.
• Pyroxene group classification

  • Orthopyroxene
  • Clinopyroxene
• Orthopyroxene

  • Enstatite: MgSiO3
  • Hyperthene: (Mg, Fe) SiO3
• Clinopyroxene

  • Augite: (Ca, Na) (Mg, Fe, Al) (Al, Si)2 O6
  • Diopside: CaMgSi2O6
  • Hedenbergite: CaFeSi2O6
• Pyroxene-Augite

  • Crystal system: Monoclinic
  • Habit: Crystalline
  • Cleavage: Good (prismatic)
  • Fracture: Conchoidal
  • Color: Greyish green and black
  • Streak: White
  • Luster: Vitreous (cleavage and crystal surface); dull (on other surface)
  • Hardness: 5.5-6.0
  • Tenacity: Brittle
  • Specific gravity: 3.2-3.6 (Medium)
  • Transparency: Translucent/Opaque
• Occurence: Occurs in ferro magnesium mineral of igneous rock
• Orthopyroxene

  1. Enstatite

  2. Hyperthene
• Clinopyroxene

  1. Augite

  2. Diopside

  3. Hedenbergite