Any one of a group of minerals, silicates of calcium, iron, and magnesium with a general formula X,YSi2O6, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The internal structure is based on single chains of silicon and oxygen. Diopside (X = Ca, Y = Mg) and augite (X = Ca, Y = Mg,Fe,Al) are common pyroxenes.
Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6), which is considered the more valuable form of jade, is also a pyroxene.