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Basalt with Peridotite Nodule
Basalte avec nodule de péridotite facilitates the direct analysis of upper mantle composition, allowing students to evaluate the physical state of the Earth's interior at secondary and university levels.
Microcrystalline Basaltic Matrix Supports the identification of rapid cooling textures in oceanic and continental crust modeling, aiding in the application of thermodynamics to igneous petrology.
Visible Mineral Boundaries (Xenocrysts) enable students to synthesize data regarding the speed of magmatic ascent and the mechanical transport of mantle fragments to the surface.
High-Density Surface Preparation Optimized for hand-lens and binocular microscope observation, facilitating accurate student readings of crystal morphology and mineral habit.
₹430.00
Quick Answer: This basalt specimen contains an embedded peridotite nodule, a fragment of upper-mantle rock carried by rising magma, giving students a rare direct look at mantle mineralogy.
Product Description
Peridotite nodules, sometimes called xenoliths, are pieces of the Earth’s upper mantle that get broken off and transported to the surface within rising basaltic magma during volcanic eruptions. Because the mantle itself cannot be directly sampled by drilling, these nodules are one of the few ways geologists can examine actual mantle material, making this specimen a genuinely rare and valuable teaching tool for mantle petrology.
The specimen lets students observe the visual contrast between the fine-grained basaltic host rock and the coarser, typically green-tinted peridotite nodule, and supports lessons on mantle composition, xenolith transport, and the relationship between volcanic activity and deep Earth processes.
Specimen Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Host Rock | Basalt (volcanic igneous rock) |
| Inclusion | Peridotite nodule (mantle xenolith) |
| Subject Focus | Mantle petrology, xenolith transport, volcanic processes |
| Recommended Level | Introductory university and advanced secondary geology |
| Storage | Padded specimen tray or case |
Applications
- Teaching upper-mantle composition through direct specimen examination
- Explaining xenolith transport and how mantle material reaches the surface
- Comparative study of basalt versus peridotite mineralogy and texture
- Supporting coursework on volcanic processes and deep Earth structure
Care & Handling
Handle the specimen carefully to avoid dislodging the nodule from the surrounding basalt. Store it in a padded specimen tray or case, and avoid dropping or knocking the specimen against hard surfaces.
Why Choose LabEquip
LabEquip supplies rock and mineral specimens selected for genuine geological teaching value, including specialised material like this mantle xenolith sample. Explore more specimens in our Educational Rock and Minerals category, learn more About Us, or Contact Us for institutional and bulk orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a peridotite nodule?
A peridotite nodule, or xenolith, is a fragment of the Earth’s upper mantle that was carried to the surface within rising basaltic magma during a volcanic eruption.
2. Why is this specimen useful for teaching mantle geology?
Since the mantle cannot be directly drilled or sampled, xenoliths like this one are one of the few ways to examine real mantle material, making the specimen valuable for mantle petrology lessons.
3. How can students tell the nodule apart from the surrounding basalt?
The peridotite nodule typically appears coarser-grained and often greenish compared with the fine-grained, darker basaltic host rock, making the contrast visible to the naked eye.
4. What does this specimen teach about volcanic processes?
It illustrates how rising magma can pick up and transport fragments of deeper rock to the surface, linking volcanic activity directly to deep Earth structure.
5. What level of course is this specimen suited to?
It suits advanced secondary and introductory university geology courses covering mantle petrology and volcanic processes.
6. How should this specimen be stored?
Store it in a padded specimen tray or case and handle it carefully to avoid dislodging the nodule from the host rock.
Last Updated: September 2026
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