lherzolite
lherzolite A two-pyroxene- and olivine-bearing, coarse-grained, ultrabasic rock consisting of essential magnesium- rich olivine, chromium-magnesium clinopyroxene (Cr-diopside), magnesium orthopyroxene (enstatite), and garnet or spinel, which is found as xenoliths in basalts and as a component of Alpine ultramafic bodies. A mantle origin for many lherzolites is attested to by their metamorphic (see METAMORPHISM) texture, their high-pressure mineral assemblage, and their ultrabasic composition. Using evidence from experimental petrology, lherzolites are interpreted as examples of undepleted mantle (i.e. mantle which has not undergone partial melting to generate basalt magma). The name is taken from the type locality, at Lherz in the French Pyrenees.
More From encyclopedia.com
Migmatite , Migmatite
A migmatite, or "mixed rock" in Greek, is a banded, heterogenous rock composed of intermingled metamorphic and igneous components. Veins, c… diabase , dolerite (diabase, microgabbro) A dark-coloured, medium-grained igneous rock which contains plagioclase feldspar of labradorite composition and pyrox… Metamorphic Rocks , Metamorphic rock is rock that has changed from one type of rock into another. The word metamorphic (from Greek) means “of changing form.” Metamorphic… Pelite , pelite (adj. pelitic) An aluminium-rich, metamorphic rock formed by the metamorphism of clay-rich sedimentary rocks, e.g. shales and mudstones. The t… Syenite , syenite A saturated, coarse-grained, igneous rock consisting of essential alkali feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals (biotite, hornblende, arfvedson… Volcanoes , A volcanic eruption is the release of molten rock and volcanic gases through Earth's crust to the surface. Molten rock within the earth, or magma , i…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
lherzolite