Piroxenos are a group of important rock-forming minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. They are silicate minerals, primarily composed of silicon and oxygen, and often contain elements like magnesium, iron, and calcium. Piroxenos typically crystallize in a monoclinic or orthorhombic structure, which gives them distinct physical properties, such as a characteristic cleavage and a range of colors.
These minerals play a crucial role in understanding the Earth's geology and the processes that form different types of rocks. Common examples of piroxenos include augite and enstatite, which are often studied in the context of volcanic and metamorphic environments.