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Komatiite identification and geology

Komatiite rock reference specimen

Rare ultramafic volcanic rock with distinctive spinifex texture. Formed from extremely hot lavas 1600°C mostly in the Archean. Texture: Spinifex blade-like olivine crystals. Rock type: Igneous Extrusive. Grain size: Variable. Minerals present: Olivine, Pyroxene, Chromite. Formation: Erupted from extremely hot ultramafic lavas in the Archean eon when the mantle was significantly hotter. Common geological settings: Komati River South Africa , Abitibi Canada , Barberton; almost exclusively Archean in age. Common look-alikes and related entries: Basalt, Peridotite, Dunite.

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
2026-03-30T14:37:22.651335+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 Komatiite?
Rare ultramafic volcanic rock with distinctive spinifex texture. Formed from extremely hot lavas 1600°C mostly in the Archean.
How can you identify Komatiite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Extrusive; texture: Spinifex blade-like olivine crystals; grain size: Variable; common minerals: Olivine, Pyroxene, Chromite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Komatiite form?
Erupted from extremely hot ultramafic lavas in the Archean eon when the mantle was significantly hotter.
Where is Komatiite commonly found?
Komati River South Africa , Abitibi Canada , Barberton; almost exclusively Archean in age.
What is Komatiite commonly confused with?
Komatiite may be confused with Basalt, Peridotite, Dunite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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