An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One of the major groups of silicate minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Pyroxene minerals are also common in meteorites. There are many different types of pyroxene. All of the types contain Si₂O₆ but some have sodium (Na) while others have iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), or a combination of these three elements.

See also: From → pyro- “fire,” + xeno- a combining form meaning “alien, strange, guest,” from Gk. xenos “stranger, guest.” Pyroxene was originally supposed to be a foreign substance when found in igneous rocks.