Eclogite Display Piece 01

A display piece of eclogite with a cut base and visible chalcopyrite from Almenning, Norway. Eclogite is an uncommon metamorphic rock. It typically forms from the high pressure metamorphism of mafic igneous rock such as basalt and gabbros at depths of 50 km or more in the mantle or lower crust. It is composed of mainly two minerals, reddish-brown almandine or pyrope garnet crystals and the green sodium rich pyroxene omphacite. Other minerals, such as blue kyanite and white quartz may also be present. Isotope dating of the Norwegian eclogites in the 1970’s and 1980’s indicates they are early Palaeozoic (450-400 million years old) in age and this suggests they formed during the Caledonian orogeny, which formed the majority of the mountains in northern Britain and Scandinavia. This beautiful vibrant green specimen has a cut base allowing it to stand freely, the sample also features several small chalcopyrite grains and numerous garnets. A perfect specimen for any geological enthusiast. This specimen is supplied with an information label, it measures roughly 15 x 4 x 11 cm and weighs approximately 974 g.