Komatiite Volcanic Rocks (IMAGE)

Louisiana State University

Komatiite Volcanic Rocks

Caption

Photomicrographs of fresh olivine (large green, blue and pink crystals) and glass inclusion (lower left inset). Komatiite volcanic rocks from the 3.3 billion-year-old Weltevreden Formation are the freshest yet discovered in from Earth's early Archean. Trace elements, radiogenic and stable isotopes from these rocks and olivine separates provide key evidence for evolution of Earth's mantle.

Credit

Keena Kareem, LSU

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