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The most abundant minerals are olivine and hypersthene (an orthopyroxene), as well as iron–nickel and troilite. Chromite, sodium-rich feldspar and calcium phosphates occur in minor amounts. Petrologic type 6 dominates, with over 60% of the L chondrites falling into this class. This indicates that the parent body was sizeable enough (greater ...
The mineral olivine (/ ˈ ɒ l. ɪ ˌ v iː n /) is a magnesium iron silicate with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe) 2 Si O 4.It is a type of nesosilicate or orthosilicate.The primary component of the Earth's upper mantle, [9] it is a common mineral in Earth's subsurface, but weathers quickly on the surface.
Peridot (/ ˈ p ɛ r ɪ ˌ d ɒ t,-ˌ d oʊ / PERR-ih-dot, -doh), sometimes called chrysolite, is a yellow-green transparent variety of olivine.Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color.
Other observed textural features that are clearly the result of very rapid cooling are dendritic and hopper-shaped olivine grains, and chondrules that are composed entirely of glass. More commonly, chondrules display what is known as a porphyritic texture. In these, grains of olivine and/or pyroxene are equidimensional and sometimes euhedral.
Kimberlite: formed in volcanic pipes and at least 35% olivine [9] Kimberlite is a highly brecciated variant of peridotite formed in volcanic pipes and is known for being the host rock to diamonds. Unlike other forms of peridotite, kimberlite is quite rare. [10] Pyroxene peridotite: From 40% to 90% olivine and less than 5% hornblende
When using the chart, it is important to remember these tips: Isotropic and opaque (metallic) minerals cannot be identified this way. The stage of the microscope should be rotated until maximum colour is found, and therefore, the maximum birefringence. Each mineral, depending on the orientation, may not exhibit the maximum birefringence.
Serpentine minerals are often formed by the hydration of olivine-rich ultramafic rocks at relatively low temperatures (0 to ~600 °C). [15] The chemical reaction turns olivine into serpentine minerals. They may also have their origins in metamorphic alterations of peridotite and pyroxene.
Recognizing the habit can aid in mineral identification and description, as the crystal habit is an external representation of the internal ordered atomic arrangement. [1] Most natural crystals, however, do not display ideal habits and are commonly malformed. Hence, it is also important to describe the quality of the shape of a mineral specimen: