Harzburgite

/ˈhɑrzbɝrdʒaɪt/ noun

Definition

A type of igneous rock composed mainly of olivine and orthopyroxene, commonly found in the Earth's mantle and in some meteorites.

Etymology

Named after the Harz Mountains (Harz, German for 'forest of pines') in Germany where the rock type was first identified, plus the mineral suffix -ite.

Kelly Says

Harzburgite makes up a huge portion of the mantle beneath our feet—when it's brought to the surface by geological forces, scientists use it like a time capsule to understand Earth's deep interior.

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