How Do You Spell ORTHOPYROXENE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːθəpˌɪɹəksˌiːn] (IPA)

The word "orthopyroxene" is a mouthful to say, but it is an important term in geology. It refers to a type of mineral that is commonly found in igneous rocks. The IPA phonetic transcription of "orthopyroxene" is ɔrθoʊˈpaɪrəksin, which breaks down the pronunciation into each individual sound. The "ortho" at the beginning is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the "pyroxene" at the end has a long "e" sound. Remembering the correct spelling of this word can be a challenge, but it is worth it for geologists who rely on these minerals to understand the Earth's history.

ORTHOPYROXENE Meaning and Definition

1. Orthopyroxene is a silicate mineral belonging to the pyroxene group. It is a member of the orthorhombic crystal system, which is characterized by three mutually perpendicular axes of different lengths. Orthopyroxene is typically greenish-black or brown in color, with a vitreous to dull luster. It possesses a distinct prismatic cleavage, meaning it breaks along well-defined planes, and has a hardness ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

   Chemically, orthopyroxene comprises a solid solution series between two end-members: enstatite (MgSiO₃) and ferrosilite (FeSiO₃). The proportion of magnesium and iron present in the crystal structure determines the composition and properties of individual orthopyroxene specimens. Orthopyroxene crystals are composed of chains of silica tetrahedrons, which give it a characteristic prismatic shape.

   Orthopyroxene is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in mafic and ultramafic compositions. It typically occurs as a primary mineral in large igneous rock formations such as gabbro and norite, as well as in more rare and specialized rocks like peridotite. Its presence in metamorphic rocks is indicative of high-pressure and high-temperature conditions during their formation.

   Orthopyroxene is an important mineral in the study of rock formations and geology, as it can provide valuable information about the formation and history of rocks. Its specific characteristics and chemical compositions can be used to discern the conditions in which particular rocks were formed, aiding in geological interpretations and classifications.

Common Misspellings for ORTHOPYROXENE

• irthopyroxene
• krthopyroxene
• lrthopyroxene
• prthopyroxene
• 0rthopyroxene
• 9rthopyroxene
• oethopyroxene
• odthopyroxene
• ofthopyroxene
• otthopyroxene
• o5thopyroxene
• o4thopyroxene
• orrhopyroxene
• orfhopyroxene
• orghopyroxene
• oryhopyroxene
• or6hopyroxene
• or5hopyroxene
• ortgopyroxene
• ortbopyroxene

Etymology of ORTHOPYROXENE

The word orthopyroxene has its etymology rooted in Greek. It can be broken down into two parts:

1. Ortho-: This prefix comes from the Greek word orthos, meaning straight or right. In scientific terminology, ortho- is often used to indicate that something is in its correct or proper form.

2. Pyroxene: This term comes from the Greek word pyroksénos, which means burning or fiery. It is a combination of pyr, meaning fire, and xenos, meaning foreign or strange. The name pyroxene was given to a group of minerals because they often form under high-temperature conditions and can exhibit characteristic colors and textures.

By combining these elements, orthopyroxene can be understood as right or properly aligned pyroxene.

Plural form of ORTHOPYROXENE is ORTHOPYROXENES