pyroxene
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.py·rox·ene
noun \pī-ˈräk-ˌsēn, pə-\Definition of PYROXENE
: any of a group of igneous-rock-forming silicate minerals that contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum, usually occur in short prismatic crystals or massive form, are often laminated, and vary in color from white to dark green or black
— py·rox·e·nic \ˌpī-ˌräk-ˈsē-nik, pə-, -ˈse-\ adjective
— py·rox·e·noid \pī-ˈräk-sə-ˌnȯid, pə-\ adjective or noun
See Origin of PYROXENE
French pyroxène, from Greek pyr- + xenos stranger
First Known Use: 1800
pyroxene
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)A group of important rock-forming silicate minerals of variable composition, among which calcium-, magnesium-, and iron-rich varieties predominate. Common pyroxenes belong to either the low-calcium enstatite-(ortho)ferrosilite series, (Mg,Fe)SiO, or the high-calcium diopside-hedenbergite series, Ca(Mg,Fe)SiO. Rare pyroxenes include jadeite, aegirine, and johannsenite. See also enstatite.
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