Definition

A type of heavy rock that is mostly made of a mineral called olivine and is often used as a source of magnesium.

Example

Dunite is commonly found in areas with volcanic activity.

Conversation

I just learned about a rock called dunite in my geology class.

Oh really? What's so special about dunite?

It's dense and mostly made of olivine, which is interesting for studying minerals.

That sounds cool! I never knew rocks could be so varied.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dunite is derived from the word 'dun' (from Old English 'dūn', meaning hill or mountain) and the suffix '-ite' (meaning related to or belonging to). The term 'dunite' refers to a type of igneous rock that is typically found in mountainous regions, thus connecting its name to its geological context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dun' as relating to a hill or mountain, and '-ite' indicating a type of rock. This helps you remember that 'dunite' is a rock associated with mountainous areas.

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