Definition
pyroxenites
noun
- Plural of pyroxenite; igneous rocks composed primarily of pyroxene minerals, typically dark in color and dense.
Usage: geology; technical
Examples
- Pyroxenites are found in layered igneous intrusions and represent crystallization of magma rich in pyroxene.
- The geologist identified pyroxenites in the rock samples collected from the mantle xenoliths.
- Pyroxenites typically contain little to no feldspar, distinguishing them from other mafic rocks.
- The dark pyroxenites in the outcrop indicated a deep crustal origin.