Pyroxene
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The pyroxenes are a group of important rock-forming inosilicate minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Pyroxenes have the general formula XY2O6, where X represents ions of calcium, sodi
Pyroxene (diopside) crystals from Afghanistan
Structure of pyroxene looking along the silica chains. "I-beams" are outlined in green. Silicon ions are oversized to emphasize the silicon chains.
First X-ray diffraction view of Martian soil – CheMin analysis reveals feldspar, pyroxenes, olivine and more (Curiosity rover at "Rocknest")
A thin section of green pyroxene
Peridotite
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Peridotite is a dense, phaneritic igneous rock consisting mostly of the silicate minerals olivine and pyroxene. Peridotite is ultramafic, as the rock contains less than 45% silica. It is high in magne
Typical peridotite sample (dunite, left) and large olivine crystal (right)
Olivine in a peridotite weathering to iddingsite within a mantle xenolith
Serpentinized and carbonated peridotite