1. a group of dark-colored silicate minerals that are common in igneous and metamorphic rocks
Usage: geology; mineralogy

Examples

• Pyroxenes are essential components of basaltic rocks.
• The geologist identified several pyroxenes in the volcanic sample.
• Augite is one of the most common pyroxenes found in igneous rocks.
• The dark minerals in this gabbro are primarily pyroxenes and plagioclase.
• Pyroxenes crystallize at high temperatures during magma cooling.
• The meteorite contained pyroxenes typical of extraterrestrial materials.