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 gives them a distinctive appearance. Pyroxenes are primarily composed of silicate minerals and contain elements like magnesium, iron, and calcium. These minerals are significant in geology because they help scientists understand the conditions under which rocks form. Pyroxenes can be classified into two main types: clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene, each with different crystal structures. Their presence in rocks can indicate the temperature and pressure conditions during the rock's formation.