Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
pyroxenite

pyroxenite

1 9.9
A dark rock with large crystals made mostly of pyroxene
  • noun
  • /paɪˈrɒksəˌnaɪt/
  • Specialized
: piroksenita
  • The mining team discovered a large deposit of pyroxenite beneath the surface.

Examples

  • Many pyroxenites are found in volcanic regions.

  • The geologist collected a sample of pyroxenite from the outcrop.

  • Layers of pyroxenite can be found in some ancient volcanic regions.

  • The geologist discovered a large piece of pyroxenite in the quarry.

  • Geologists discovered a large deposit of pyroxenite rich in valuable minerals during their recent expedition.

  • The construction team used pyroxenite for its durability when building the new foundation.

  • Samples of pyroxenite revealed a unique texture that fascinated the researchers studying igneous rocks.

Surface Forms

pyroxenite singular
pyroxenites plural

Morphology

pyroxenite = pyroxene (semi-transparent) = pyroxene + ite

The form 'pyroxene' + the mineral/rock-forming suffix '-ite' directly yields a rock composed mainly of pyroxene.

Etymology

The word pyroxenite comes from the mineral pyroxene plus the rock ending -ite, a common ending in words like granite. The pyro- part is like pyrotechnics and means 'fire', which is a helpful way to remember that pyroxenite forms from hot, volcanic processes and is a dark rock made mostly of pyroxene.