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Eclogite identification and geology

Eclogite rock reference specimen

Dense, colorful rock composed of red garnet and green omphacite pyroxene. Forms at extreme pressures in subduction zones. Texture: Granoblastic. Rock type: Metamorphic High-pressure. Grain size: Medium to coarse. Parent rock: Basalt/Gabbro. Minerals present: Garnet pyrope-rich, Omphacite, Rutile, Kyanite. Formation: Forms from subduction of oceanic crust to depths 45 km where basalt transforms under extreme pressure. Common geological settings: Norway, Alps, China Dabie Shan , Papua New Guinea; found in exhumed subduction complexes. Common look-alikes and related entries: Garnet Amphibolite, Pyroxenite, Granulite.

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
2026-03-30T14:39:09.814962+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 Eclogite?
Dense, colorful rock composed of red garnet and green omphacite pyroxene. Forms at extreme pressures in subduction zones.
How can you identify Eclogite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic High-pressure; texture: Granoblastic; grain size: Medium to coarse; common minerals: Garnet pyrope-rich, Omphacite, Rutile, Kyanite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Eclogite form?
Forms from subduction of oceanic crust to depths 45 km where basalt transforms under extreme pressure.
Where is Eclogite commonly found?
Norway, Alps, China Dabie Shan , Papua New Guinea; found in exhumed subduction complexes.
What is Eclogite commonly confused with?
Eclogite may be confused with Garnet Amphibolite, Pyroxenite, Granulite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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