metamorphic
Eclogite
Eclogite (Omphacite-Garnet rock)
Hardness: 6-7.5 (Mohs); Color: Green (omphacite pyroxene) with red-to-pink spots (almandine-pyrope garnet); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Massive to granular. Known for high density.
- Hardness
- 6-7
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7.5 (Mohs); Color: Green (omphacite pyroxene) with red-to-pink spots (almandine-pyrope garnet); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Massive to granular. Known for high density.
Formation & geological history
Formed at extremely high pressures (exceeding 1.2 GPa) and moderate to high temperatures in subduction zones where oceanic crust is pushed deep into the Earth's mantle, typically at depths of 45-60km or deeper.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a decorative stone in high-end construction, as a dense aggregate, and highly valued by researchers for studying tectonic plate movement and mantle dynamics.
Geological facts
Eclogite is often called the 'Christmas Tree Rock' because of its vibrant green and red minerals. It is chemically identical to basalt but has a much higher density due to the pressure-induced transformation of minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinct 'salt and pepper' or 'green and red' speckled appearance and its surprising weight for its size. Often found in orogenic belts where deep crustal rocks have been uplifted.
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