Peridotite is a dense, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting mostly of the minerals olivine and pyroxene. source
Peridotite is a dense, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting mostly of the minerals olivine and pyroxene.
Peridotite is ultramafic, as the rock contains less than 45% silica. source
Peridotite is ultramafic, as the rock contains less than 45% silica.
Peridotite is high in magnesium, reflecting the high proportions of magnesium-rich olivine, with appreciable iron. source
Peridotite is high in magnesium, reflecting the high proportions of magnesium-rich olivine, with appreciable iron.
Peridotite is derived from the Earth's mantle, either as solid blocks and fragments, or as crystals accumulated from magmas that formed in the mantle. source
Peridotite is derived from the Earth's mantle, either as solid blocks and fragments, or as crystals accumulated from magmas that formed in the mantle.
Peridotite is the dominant rock of the upper part of the Earth's mantle. source
Peridotite is the dominant rock of the upper part of the Earth's mantle.
The compositions of peridotite nodules found in certain basalts and diamond pipes (kimberlites) are of special interest. source
The compositions of peridotite nodules found in certain basalts and diamond pipes (kimberlites) are of special interest.
The word peridotite comes from the gemstone peridot, which consists of pale green olivine. source
The word peridotite comes from the gemstone peridot, which consists of pale green olivine.
Classic peridotite is bright green with some specks of black, although most hand samples tend to be darker green. source
Classic peridotite is bright green with some specks of black, although most hand samples tend to be darker green.
Peridotitic outcrops typically range from earthy bright yellow to dark green in color; this is because olivine is easily weathered to iddingsite. source
Peridotitic outcrops typically range from earthy bright yellow to dark green in color; this is because olivine is easily weathered to iddingsite.
Dunite is type of Peridotitic so more than 90% olivine, typically with Mg/Fe ratio of about 9:1. source
Dunite is type of Peridotitic so more than 90% olivine, typically with Mg/Fe ratio of about 9:1.
Magnesium-rich olivine forms a large proportion of peridotite, and so magnesium content is high. source
Magnesium-rich olivine forms a large proportion of peridotite, and so magnesium content is high.
Oceanic plates consist of up to about 100 km of peridotite covered by a thin crust. source
Oceanic plates consist of up to about 100 km of peridotite covered by a thin crust.
The peridotite below the ocean crust, "abyssal peridotite," is found on the walls of rifts in the deep sea floor. source
The peridotite below the ocean crust, "abyssal peridotite," is found on the walls of rifts in the deep sea floor.
Peridotites can take on a massive form or may be in layers, Layered peridotites may form the base layers of gabbroic complexes. source
Peridotites can take on a massive form or may be in layers, Layered peridotites may form the base layers of gabbroic complexes.
Komatiites are high degree partial melts of peridotite. source
Komatiites are high degree partial melts of peridotite.
While green and yellow are the most common colors, peridotitic rocks may exhibit a wide range of colors such as blue, brown, and red. source
While green and yellow are the most common colors, peridotitic rocks may exhibit a wide range of colors such as blue, brown, and red.
Peridotite is the dominant rock of the Earth's mantle above a depth of about 400 km; below that depth, olivine is converted to the higher-pressure mineral wadsleyite. source
Peridotite is the dominant rock of the Earth's mantle above a depth of about 400 km; below that depth, olivine is converted to the higher-pressure mineral wadsleyite.