Mugearite (Olivine-bearing)

An olivine-rich island lava variant

Mugearite (Olivine-bearing), an igneous rock specimen
Igneous

Olivine-bearing mugearite is a variety of mugearite that retains olivine phenocrysts, indicating a slightly less evolved magma composition than typical mugearite. This variant is particularly common in the early alkaline stages of ocean island volcanism.

Composition

olivine (phenocrysts), plagioclase (andesine), augite, magnetite, apatite, kaersutite

Where Found

Hawaiian Islands (Haleakalā, Maui), Canary Islands (La Palma), Réunion, Galápagos Islands, Society Islands (French Polynesia)

Mohs Hardness

5.5-6

Fun Fact

On Maui's Haleakalā volcano, olivine-bearing mugearite erupted as recently as about 400 years ago, making it among the youngest volcanic rocks in the Hawaiian island chain outside the Big Island.

Test Your Knowledge

At what stage of a Hawaiian volcano's lifecycle does olivine-bearing mugearite typically erupt?

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