Definition

A type of rock that is mostly made up of olivine and other minerals, often found deep in the Earth's mantle.

Example

Geologists study peridotite to understand the composition of the Earth's interior.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of peridotite?

Yeah, I think it's a type of rock, right?

Exactly! It's mainly made of olivine and pyroxenes.

That sounds interesting! I love learning about different rocks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Peridotite is derived from 'peridot' (from the Old French *peridot*, meaning a type of gemstone) and the suffix '-ite' (meaning a rock or mineral). The word refers to a type of rock that contains the mineral olivine, which is often associated with the gemstone peridot.

Memory Tip

Think of 'peridot' as a gemstone and '-ite' indicating a type of rock, helping you remember that peridotite is a rock associated with the mineral found in the gemstone.

Visually Confused Words