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Dunite is composed predominantly of olivine. A volcanic rock of dunite composition would need to form from a lava/magma of dunnite composition. A magma of dunite i.e. olivine composition would never be produced from melting of mantle or crustal rocks because olivine melts/crystallises at higher temperatures than most other minerals. Therefore, melting any rock other than dunite itself would produce a magma with a composition less Fe-Mg-rich than dunnite. Dunite forms in 2 ways: When olivine is concentrated by accumulation at the base of a magma chamber (cumulate layaered gabbro); and by chemical reaction between an exsolved basaltic melt and residual peridotite in the lithospheric mantle. Pyroxene in the mantle dissolves and olivine is left behind as a residual material.

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Sam Rice

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5y ago

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Related Questions

Is dunite or olivine a common rock?

Dunite is not a common rock but olivine is.


What is the color of dunite?

Dunite is typically a dark green to olive-green color due to its high concentration of the mineral olivine.


Is dunite a rock or mineral?

Duntie is a rock


Does Dunite cool quickly or slowly?

slowly


How does Dunite form?

Dunite is an igneous rock composed primarily of olivine. It forms when magma solidifies deep within the Earth's mantle and contains a high percentage of olivine crystals. As the magma cools and crystallizes, olivine-rich dunite can be formed.


What is the texture of Dunite?

Dunite has a coarse-grained texture with visible mineral grains that are usually large and well-defined. It is composed mainly of the mineral olivine, giving it a greenish color and a granular appearance.


What color is dunite?

Gray to rely light green.


Is dunite intrusive or extrusive?

Dunite is an intrusive igneous rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It is primarily composed of olivine mineral and is typically found in plutonic environments.


What is the density of dunite?

a bout 3.27 (most of the time 3.3 is considered)


What is dunite used for?

Dunite is primarily used as a source of magnesium, which is extracted by processing the mineral. It can also be used as a refractory material in industries such as steelmaking and glass production due to its high melting point and resistance to heat. Additionally, dunite can be used as a building material for construction projects in some cases.


Is dunite an intrusive or extrusive igneous rock?

Dunite is an intrusive igneous rock, specifically a type of ultramafic rock composed mostly of olivine. It forms deep within the Earth's crust through the crystallization of magma.


Which pair of rocks could only be composed of only one mineral.?

dunite and rock salt. dunite only compose of only olivine and rock salt contain only halite (earth science reference table)