Pyroxene is a group of important rock-forming minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. They are typically dark-colored and have a crystalline structure, which can vary in composition. Common types of pyroxene include augite and diopside, and they are primarily composed of silicate minerals containing iron, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals play a crucial role in understanding the Earth's geology and are often studied in petrology, the branch of geology that deals with the origin and composition of rocks. Pyroxenes can also be found in meteorites, providing insights into the formation of the solar system.