Peridotites are economically important rocks because they often contain chromite - the only ore of chromium; they can be source rocks for diamonds; and, they have the potential to be used as a material for sequestering carbon dioxide. Much of Earth's mantle is believed to be composed of peridotite.

What is characteristic of peridotite?

Peridotite is a very dense, coarse-grained, olivine-rich, ultra- mafic intrusive rock. It is noted for its low silica content, and contains very little or no feldspar ( orthoclase, plagioclase). It is a common component of oceanic lithosphere, and is derived from the upper mantle.

Where is peridotite most abundant?

Peridotite is generally believed to be the most common rock found in the upper mantle of the Earth. The medium- to coarse-grained intrusive igneous material does occur in several different forms and environments, however, including layered complexes, sills, irregular masses, dikes, and volcanic pipes.