Komatiite Large Spinifex Blades South Africa [114 gm - 3.3 Ga]

This rare mantle-derived volcanic rock named komatiite is from the Pioneer Ultramafic Complex, Weltevreden Formation, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. It is exceptional with its large, beautiful bladed foresteritic olivine with great green color and easily visible spinifex texture. The specimen is lightly coated on the front, and the exterior crust is superb! XRF included!

Komatiite, an igneous, ultramafic rock of volcanic origin, is a scientific marvel with a high magnesium content and low silicon, potassium, and aluminum. True komatiites are a rarity on Earth, confined to Archean shield areas. The volcanic mineralogy of the rock is a fascinating blend of forsteritic olivine with chromian pyroxene, anorthite, and chromite. This extraordinary rock was named after its specific type locality, where it was first unearthed along the Komati River. Its age restriction of 4.0-2.5 Ga is believed to have resulted from the mantle's cooling, which scientists estimate could have been as much as 500 degrees Celsius hotter during the early to middle Archean period.

Size: 64mm L X 58mm W X 27mm D, Weight: 114.9 grams. It ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, information about komatiite, tag, tag stand and XRF. The acrylic base and photo cube are not included.

Komatiites are associated with nickel and gold deposits in various parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the Guiana Shield of South America.

If you're a collector or enthusiast, this specimen is a must-have for your collection. Not only is it incredibly rare, but it also represents a unique piece of Earth's geological history.