Pyroxenite is an ultramafic igneous rock consisting essentially of minerals of the pyroxene group, such as augite, diopside, or hypersthene. It is generally dark in color and found as cumulate layers within large mafic-ultramafic complexes or as part of ophiolite sequences.

Hardness

5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

igneouscommon

Pyroxenite

Hardness: 5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this pyroxenite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch pyroxenite with a known reference. Pyroxenite sits at Mohs 5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyroxenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pyroxenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

Pyroxenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

igneous

Peridotite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Pyroxenite and vitreous to dull on Peridotite.

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Often found alongside pyroxenite

Minerals reported to co-occur with pyroxenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5-7
Density: 3.2-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Architectural, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Intrusions
Typical price: $5-20 per hand specimen

Where rockhounds find pyroxenite

Classic worldwide localities

Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Stillwater Complex, USA
Oman Ophiolite
Grenville Province, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where pyroxenite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, plagioclase, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pyroxenite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark green, brown, black.

Where is pyroxenite found?+

Notable localities include Bushveld Complex, South Africa; Stillwater Complex, USA; Oman Ophiolite; Grenville Province, Canada.

How much is pyroxenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-20 per hand specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like pyroxenite?+

Pyroxenite is most often confused with Peridotite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pyroxenite?+

Pyroxenite commonly co-occurs with Olivine, Plagioclase, Chromite, Magnetite, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pyroxenite form in?+

Pyroxenite typically forms in ultramafic igneous intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pyroxenite used for?+

Pyroxenite is used in decorative, architectural, scientific research.

Find pyroxenite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.