PYROXENE
\pˌa͡ɪɹə͡ʊzˈiːn], \pˌaɪɹəʊzˈiːn], \p_ˌaɪ_ɹ_əʊ_z_ˈiː_n]\
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A common mineral occurring in monoclinic crystals, with a prismatic angle of nearly 90¡, and also in massive forms which are often laminated. It varies in color from white to dark green and black, and includes many varieties differing in color and composition, as diopside, malacolite, salite, coccolite, augite, etc. They are all silicates of lime and magnesia with sometimes alumina and iron. Pyroxene is an essential constituent of many rocks, especially basic igneous rocks, as basalt, gabbro, etc.
By Oddity Software
Word of the day
hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.