Komatiite Barberton Greenstone Belt [190 gm - 3.5 Ga]

Komatiite Great Classic Spinifex Blades South Africa

Discover this rare komatiite specimen's unique beauty and geological significance. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, this piece showcases the exceptional spinifex texture and vibrant colors.

Best Komatiite from Barberton, South Africa

This is the best komatiite from Barberton, South Africa, you could ever own! It has excellent front, back, and side features, exceptional spinifex blades, and great color.

Fascinating Ultramafic Volcanic Rock

Komatiite is a fascinating ultramafic volcanic rock with a unique origin. This specimen of komatiite is from the Pioneer Complex, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. Komatiites have particular features, and no other rock on Earth looks quite like them. Their age and appearance put komatiites in a class all by themselves!

Definition and Characteristics

• Komatiites are defined as having crystallized from lava with at least 18 wt% magnesium oxide (MgO).
• They are classified as 'picritic rocks' due to their low silicon, potassium, and aluminum content and high to extremely high magnesium levels.
• The name "komatiite" comes from its type locality along the Komati River in South Africa.
• A distinctive feature of komatiites is the "spinifex texture", which consists of large dendritic plates of olivine and pyroxene.

Geologic Age

• Almost all komatiites were formed during the Archean Eon, which occurred approximately 4.03 to 2.5 billion years ago.
• The restriction in age is likely due to the cooling of the Earth's mantle. During the Archaean, the mantle may have been 100–250 °C (212–482 °F) hotter than it is today.
• The early Earth produced higher heat due to residual heat from planetary accretion and a greater abundance of radioactive isotopes. 

Specimen Details

Size and Weight

• Size: 88mm L X 67mm W X 27mm D
• Weight: 190 grams

What is Included

It ships with a Certificate of Authenticity, information about komatiite, tag, tag stand, and XRF. Plexiglass riser and sizing cube are not included. 

Top Tier Specimen

This top tier specimen of komatiite has superb spinifex texture AND an XRF makes this specimen excel in every way.

Buy Now

Buy one of early Earth's rarest and oldest lava from Barberton, South Africa, and enjoy the beauty of this terrific specimen!