Harzburgite identification and geology

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• Peridotite
• Dunite
• Lherzolite

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

2026-03-30T14:39:31.308706+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 Harzburgite?

Ultramafic rock composed of olivine and orthopyroxene. A depleted mantle rock that has lost its basaltic component.

How can you identify Harzburgite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Mantle; texture: Phaneritic; grain size: Coarse; common minerals: Olivine, Orthopyroxene, Chromite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Harzburgite form?

Forms as residual mantle rock after partial melting extracts basaltic magma from peridotite.

Where is Harzburgite commonly found?

Harz Mountains Germany , Oman ophiolite; found in ophiolites and mantle xenoliths.

What is Harzburgite commonly confused with?

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