Pyroxene
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Strekeisen" title="User:Strekeisen">Strekeisen</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyroxene
Chemical Formula(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)Si2O6
Mohs Hardness5
Streak Colorwhite/grayish-green
Cleavagetwo distinct cleavages at nearly 90 degrees (87 and 93 degrees)
Fractureuneven/conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.2
Colorsgreen, black, brown, white, colorless
Transparencytranslucent/opaque
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupSilicates (Inosilicates)
Usesindustrial, gemstone, scientific study
Associated Mineralsolivine, plagioclase, amphibole, garnet
Raritycommon
Description
The image shows a pyroxene crystal in thin section under crossed nicols, displaying a prominent "sieve texture" with numerous irregular inclusions or voids. The crystal exhibits vibrant interference colors, primarily shades of orange, yellow, and purple, against a black background.
Geological Context
Pyroxenes are significant rock-forming minerals found in a wide range of igneous and metamorphic rocks, crystallizing from high-temperature magmas and forming during regional or contact metamorphism. The sieve texture often indicates disequilibrium growth or partial resorption.
