Spinifex Texture Komatiite

Hardness 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Tan, brownish-yellow, greenish-gray color with distinct blade-like or needle-like olivine and pyroxene crystal pseudomorphs forming a criss-crossing, grass-like pattern; Dull to earthy luster.

Formed in the Archean Eon (>2.5 billion years ago) from high-temperature, low-viscosity ultramafic lava flows that cooled rapidly at the upper surface, creating elongate, needle-shaped olivine crystals.

Geological study, research into early Earth tectonic and volcanic processes, and collection by mineral and rock enthusiasts.

Named after the Australian spinifex grass because the criss-crossing needle-like crystal pattern resembles bunches of spiky grass. True komatiites are almost exclusively restricted to Archean age rocks because early Earth's mantle was significantly hotter.

Identified by the distinct radiating or criss-crossing needle-like bladed texture on a weathered surface. Commonly found in ancient greenstone belts such as the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa, the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Canada, and the Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia.