Dunite identification and geology

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:38:08.952124+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
• Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Dunite?

An ultramafic rock composed of over 90% olivine. Named after Dun Mountain in New Zealand.

How can you identify Dunite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Intrusive/Mantle; texture: Phaneritic; grain size: Medium to coarse; common minerals: Olivine 90%, Chromite, Pyroxene minor. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Dunite form?

Forms in the upper mantle and in ultramafic cumulate layers in layered igneous intrusions.

Where is Dunite commonly found?

New Zealand, Norway, Cyprus ophiolite; found in ophiolites and layered intrusions.

What is Dunite commonly confused with?

Dunite may be confused with Peridotite, Harzburgite, Serpentinite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.