4720 x 5237 px | 40 x 44,3 cm | 15,7 x 17,5 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
20 marzo 2025
Altre informazioni:
Forsterite with Fayalite in Basalt, Gila Co, AZ Forsterite and fayalite are endmembers of the olivine mineral group, forming a solid solution between magnesium-rich forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) and iron-rich fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄). In basalt, a common volcanic rock, these minerals often occur together as olivine crystals. Forsterite typically dominates in basaltic environments due to the magma's magnesium-rich composition, while fayalite may be present in smaller amounts. These olivines appear as green to yellow-green grains and are important indicators of the magma’s composition and crystallization history. Their presence in basalt highlights the rock’s origin from partial melting of the upper mantle.
