It is mostly solid rock, but less viscous at tectonic plate boundaries and mantle plumes. Mantle rocks there are soft and able to move plastically (over the course of millions of years) at great depth and pressure. The transfer of heat and material in the mantle helps determine the landscape of Earth.

What does mantle consist of?

In terms of its constituent elements, the mantle is made up of 44.8% oxygen, 21.5% silicon, and 22.8% magnesium. There's also iron, aluminum, calcium, sodium, and potassium. These elements are all bound together in the form of silicate rocks, all of which take the form of oxides.

Is the mantle made of rock or metal?

The mantle is composed primarily of heavy metals, such as iron, nickel, magnesium, and others. Scientists describe the state of the mantle as 'plastic. ' Many divide the mantle into further such as the upper and lower mantle, as well as the asthenosphere and lithosphere.