Lherzolite is a geological term used to describe an ultramafic rock that contains abundant orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and olivine. The pronunciation of Lherzolite can be explained phonetically as 'lɛʁzɔlit', with the 'zh' sound being similar to a French 'j' sound in words such as 'juste'. The word is derived from the French name for the Lherz massif in the French Pyrenees, where the rock type was first identified. Lherzolite is an important rock type in the Earth's mantle, where it forms through processes of partial melting and metasomatism.
Lherzolite is a type of igneous rock commonly found in the Earth's upper mantle. It is named after the Lherz area in the French Pyrenees where it was first discovered. This rock is composed mainly of three minerals: olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene.
The primary mineral in lherzolite is olivine, a green mineral consisting of magnesium, iron, and silicate. Olivine often occurs in crystals and contributes to the rock's overall green color. Orthopyroxene is a black to brown mineral with a monoclinic crystal structure, while clinopyroxene is a dark green or black mineral with a monoclinic or orthorhombic crystal structure. These two pyroxenes add to the lherzolite's overall dark appearance.
Lherzolite is a coarse-grained rock with a phaneritic texture, meaning that its individual mineral crystals are visible to the naked eye. It is typically formed through a process called partial melting when the mantle rock undergoes intense heat and pressure. As the rock melts, different minerals crystallize out at different temperatures, resulting in the formation of lherzolite.
Lherzolite is an important rock in the field of geology as it provides valuable insights into the composition and processes occurring in the Earth's mantle. It serves as a crucial source rock for kimberlite pipes, which are often associated with diamond deposits. Additionally, lherzolite is used in the laboratory for experiments on melting and melt-rock reactions, helping scientists better understand the dynamics of the Earth's interior.
The word "Lherzolite" is derived from the name of a location in France called Lherz, situated in the Ariège department in the Pyrenees region. Lherzolite is a type of ultramafic rock, primarily composed of olivine and pyroxene minerals. It was first discovered and described in this region by a French geologist named Louis Lherz in the late 19th century. As a result, the rock was named after him, combining his surname "Lherz" with the suffix "-olite" which is commonly used to designate rock types.