igneous
Peridotite
Ultramafic igneous rock (primarily olivine and pyroxene)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, greenish to dark brown color, dull to vitreous luster, and a dense, coarse-grained crystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on Mohs scale, greenish to dark brown color, dull to vitreous luster, and a dense, coarse-grained crystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in magnesium and iron deep within the Earth's upper mantle.
Uses & applications
Primarily of academic and geological interest as a mantle sample, though certain varieties host gemstones like peridot.
Geological facts
Peridotite is the dominant rock type of the Earth's upper mantle and can alter into serpentinite in the presence of water.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its heavy weight and dark greenish, granular texture; commonly found in ophiolite complexes and volcanic xenoliths.
