Pyroxene

Definition

Pyroxene is a group of silicate minerals that are common in the Earth's crust and are also found in the lunar surface and on the planet Mercury. They are important rock-forming minerals that play a significant role in the composition and characteristics of these celestial bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pyroxenes are a group of rock-forming silicate minerals that are characterized by single-chain silicate structures, which give them a distinctive prismatic crystal habit.
2. Pyroxenes are a major component of the lunar surface, making up a significant portion of the lunar regolith and contributing to the overall composition and characteristics of the Moon.
3. The presence of pyroxenes on the surface of Mercury suggests that the planet's crust and mantle are composed of igneous rocks similar to those found on the Earth and the Moon.
4. Pyroxenes are also found in many types of igneous rocks, including basalts, andesites, and gabbros, which are common on the Earth, the Moon, and other terrestrial planets.
5. The specific types and compositions of pyroxenes present in a rock can provide valuable information about the conditions under which the rock formed, such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of certain elements.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of pyroxenes in the composition and characteristics of the lunar surface.
  • Pyroxenes are a major component of the lunar regolith, the layer of fine, unconsolidated rock and soil that covers the surface of the Moon. The presence of pyroxenes in the lunar regolith contributes to the overall composition and characteristics of the Moon, including its relatively high density and low albedo (reflectivity). The specific types and compositions of pyroxenes found on the lunar surface can provide insights into the geological history and formation processes of the Moon.
• Describe the significance of pyroxenes in the context of the planet Mercury.
  • The presence of pyroxenes on the surface of Mercury suggests that the planet's crust and mantle are composed of igneous rocks similar to those found on the Earth and the Moon. This is an important clue about the geological history and formation processes of Mercury, as pyroxenes are a common mineral in many types of igneous rocks. The specific types and compositions of pyroxenes found on Mercury can provide valuable information about the conditions under which the planet's surface and interior formed, such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of certain elements.
• Analyze the role of pyroxenes in the formation and characteristics of igneous rocks on Earth, the Moon, and other terrestrial planets.
  • Pyroxenes are a major component of many types of igneous rocks, including basalts, andesites, and gabbros, which are common on the Earth, the Moon, and other terrestrial planets. The specific types and compositions of pyroxenes present in these igneous rocks can provide valuable information about the conditions under which the rocks formed, such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of certain elements. This information can be used to better understand the geological history and formation processes of these celestial bodies, as well as the factors that influence the composition and characteristics of their surfaces and interiors.

Related terms

Silicate Minerals: Silicate minerals are a large class of minerals that contain silicon and oxygen as their primary chemical constituents, often with the addition of other elements such as metals or alkali ions.

Lunar Regolith: The lunar regolith is the layer of fine, unconsolidated rock and soil that covers the surface of the Moon, formed by the continuous bombardment of the lunar surface by meteorites and other space debris.

Igneous Rocks: Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten or partially molten material, either below the surface of the Earth or on the surface as lava.