Pyroxenes are the second most abundant mineral group in lunar basalts after plagioclase. They provide a source of multiple metals and are amenable to molten regolith electrolysis.
Formula
(Ca,Mg,Fe)SiO₃ / (Mg,Fe)SiO₃
Crystal System
Monoclinic / Orthorhombic
Occurrence
Major component of lunar mare basalts and asteroid regolith; common in chondrites
Significance
Source of magnesium, iron, calcium, and silicon; abundant ISRU feedstock
Source
Apollo samples, meteorite analysis