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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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What is metamorphosed dunite?

Metamorphosed dunite is a type of ultramafic rock that originates from the alteration of dunite, which is primarily composed of the mineral olivine. During metamorphism, dunite can undergo changes due to heat, pressure, and the presence of fluids, resulting in the formation of new minerals such as serpentine, talc, or pyroxene. This process can alter the rock's texture and mineral composition, often leading to a more complex structure while retaining some characteristics of the original dunite. Metamorphosed dunite is commonly found in regions with tectonic activity, such as orogenic belts.


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 element can you find in dunite?

Dunite is an igneous rock that is primarily composed of the mineral olivine, which is rich in the element magnesium. It typically contains a high percentage of magnesium silicate, along with smaller amounts of iron and other minerals. The presence of these elements makes dunite a significant rock in the study of the Earth's mantle and in the production of refractory materials.


What is the density of dunite?

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


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.

Related Questions

Is dunite or olivine a common rock?

Dunite is not a common rock but olivine is.


What is metamorphosed dunite?

Metamorphosed dunite is a type of ultramafic rock that originates from the alteration of dunite, which is primarily composed of the mineral olivine. During metamorphism, dunite can undergo changes due to heat, pressure, and the presence of fluids, resulting in the formation of new minerals such as serpentine, talc, or pyroxene. This process can alter the rock's texture and mineral composition, often leading to a more complex structure while retaining some characteristics of the original dunite. Metamorphosed dunite is commonly found in regions with tectonic activity, such as orogenic belts.


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.


What element can you find in dunite?

Dunite is an igneous rock that is primarily composed of the mineral olivine, which is rich in the element magnesium. It typically contains a high percentage of magnesium silicate, along with smaller amounts of iron and other minerals. The presence of these elements makes dunite a significant rock in the study of the Earth's mantle and in the production of refractory materials.


What is the density of dunite?

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


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 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.