Pyroxene minerals crystallize in both the monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal systems. Monoclinic pyroxenes are known as “clinopyroxenes” and orthorhombic pyroxenes are known as “orthopyroxenes”. Pyroxenes can also be classified on the basis of their chemical composition. The classes include: magnesium-iron pyroxenes, calcium pyroxenes, calcium-sodium pyroxenes, sodium pyroxenes, and lithium pyroxenes. Two lists of pyroxene minerals…

Pyroxene minerals are known beyond Earth. They are abundant in many stone meteorites and present in some stony-iron meteorites. They have also been identified in the rocks and regolith of the Moon and Mars. When compared to terrestrial rocks, rocks of the Moon and Mars have simple mineral compositions. This is because they have not been significantly altered by…

In Earth’s crust, pyroxenes are found in a wide range of igneous and metamorphic rocks. They are most abundant in the dark-colored igneous rocks, such as basalt and gabbro, that comprise most of the oceanic crust. Pyroxenes and plagioclase feldspar are the most abundand minerals in these rocks. Pyroxenes are also important minerals in many peridotites. Rocks of the upper mantle…

Pyroxene minerals are primary or secondary constituents of many rocks used to make crushed stone, dimension stone, and architectural stone. Pyroxene is in the trap rock of the construction industry and in the “black granites” that are popular for making decorative tile and facing stone.

Rare specimens of hypersthene and enstatite sometimes display a colorful sheen known as “schiller”. Rare specimens of enstatite will display asterism in the form of four-ray or six-ray stars. These specimens of gem-quality enstatite and hypersthene are so rare that they are “collector’s stones” instead of gems frequently seen in jewlery.

Diopside often occurs as a bright green, translucent to transparent gem that is cut into faceted stones, cabochons, and beads. Its green color is often bright enough that it is used as a substitute for emerald. A rare variety of diopside known as “star diopside” contains fine prismatic crystals of magnetite. When polished en cabochon, they display a…

Jadeite (a pyroxene) and nephrite (a member of the amphibole mineral group) are the only two minerals that can legally be called “jade” in commerce. Both of these minerals are used to produce cabochons, beads, bangles, small sculptures, and a wide variety of utility items. Jadeite is the most important gemstone in China, where it has been held in highest esteem for…

Examples of individual pyroxene minerals that hold a place in industry and commerce are described below: Spodumene Spodumene often occurs in colorful gem-quality crystals. These beautiful blade-shaped crystals are highly prized by mineral collectors. When cut as gems, they have varietal names according to their color: kunzite (pink), hiddenite (green), and triphane (yellow). Spodumene was once the…

Pyroxene is the name of a group of dark-colored rock-forming minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks throughout the world. They form under conditions of high temperature and/or high pressure. Augite, diopside, jadeite and spodumene are four of the best-known members of the pyroxene group; however, the pyroxene group has many other members. Pyroxene minerals are defined by their chemical composition and crystal structure. Their generalized chemical composition is…