Lherzolite identification and geology

Browse this collection and related resources

• Browse all rock identification entries — Compare this entry with the complete GeoMiner rocks collection.
• Previous: Latite — Fine-grained volcanic rock with roughly equal amounts of plagioclase and alkali feldspar, minimal quartz.
• Next: Lignite — Brownish-black low-rank coal with visible plant structures. The lowest rank of true coal with 60-70% carbon content.
• Harzburgite
• 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

2026-03-30T14:39:31.459225+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.

Read GeoMiner's editorial methodology or report a content issue.

Common questions

What is Lherzolite?

Fertile mantle peridotite containing olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene. Represents undepleted upper mantle.

How can you identify Lherzolite?

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, Clinopyroxene, Spinel or Garnet. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Lherzolite form?

Represents the undepleted fertile composition of the upper mantle before partial melting.

Where is Lherzolite commonly found?

Lherz France , found as xenoliths in basalts and kimberlites worldwide.

What is Lherzolite commonly confused with?

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