Named in 1796 by Rene Just Haüy from the Greek words for fire πυρ and stranger ξένος Pyroxene was named because of its presence in a glassy or vitreous
Pyroxenes are the most significant and abundant group of rock forming ferromagnesian silicates They are found in almost every variety of igneous rock and also
The physical properties of orthopyroxenes Luster vitreous to pearly on cleavage faces Cleavage good Hardness 5 5 6 Specific gravity 3 2 – 3 6 increasing
Jade ornaments and figurines fashioned by ancient Aztec and Mayan artisans are pyroxene 39 s most familiar face An important rock forming mineral of igneous