Polarizing Microscopes Educational Resources

The name Pyroxene is derived from the Greek words for fire and stranger. This is actually in false allusion to their surprising presence in volcanic lavas. The pyroxene minerals are actually inosilicates. The general formula of Pyroxenes is indicated by XY(Si, Al)2O6. The X in the chemical structure can stand either calcium, sodium, iron +2 [...]

The chemical composition of the mineral Hypersthene is indicated by the formula (Mg, Fe)SiO3, a Magnesium Iron Silicate. This Hypersthene belongs to the Silicates mineral class. Hypersthenes are also member of the Pyroxene Group of minerals. This mineral species is most commonly used as mineral specimen and it often exhibits fascinating and wonderful microscope appearance [...]