Pirokseeniryhmä

Pirokseeniryhmä, also known as the pyroxene group, is a significant group of rock-forming inosilicate minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. The group is characterized by its single-chain silicon-oxygen structure and includes several well-known minerals such as augite, diopside, hedenbergite, and jadeite. These minerals are typically dark in color and have a hardness ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The pyroxene group is further divided into two subgroups: the clinopyroxenes, which have a single chain of silica tetrahedra that is not parallel to the long axis of the crystal, and the orthopyroxenes, which have a single chain of silica tetrahedra that is parallel to the long axis of the crystal. The pyroxene group is an important indicator of the conditions under which rocks form, as the specific minerals present can provide insights into the temperature, pressure, and composition of the environment. Additionally, some pyroxenes exhibit unique optical properties, such as pleochroism, which can be useful in mineral identification. The pyroxene group is a fundamental component of many geological studies and has significant implications for understanding the Earth's crust and mantle.