Pyroxferroite

pyroxferroite

cristobalite

tridymite

fayalite

Images

Formula: Fe2+SiO3
Inosilicate (chain silicate), forms a series with pyroxmangite, paramorph of clinoferrosilite, ferrosilite and hemleyite
Crystal System: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 3.68 to 3.76 measured, 3.82 calculated
Hardness: 4½ to 5½
Streak: White
Colour: Pale yellow, orange-yellow, yellow, light brown
Solubility: Insoluble in acids
Common impurities: Ti,Al,Mg,Na
Environments:

Extraterrestrial

Localities

The type locality is the Mare Tranquillitatis, on the Moon. The mineral occurs as discrete grains in rocks collected by the Apollo XI mission. The rocks are microgabbros or dolerites with major clinopyroxene, plagioclase and ilmenite, and with minor pyroxferroite, cristobalite, tridymite, fayalite, fluorapatite and K-feldspar (AM 55.2137).

It also occurs at several localities in Earth as detailed in (Mindat).

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