Rodingite

Calcium-enriched by serpentinizing fluids

Rodingite, a metamorphic rock specimen
Metamorphic

Rodingite is a calcium-rich metamorphic rock that forms when mafic rocks like gabbro or diabase are infiltrated by calcium-bearing fluids released during the serpentinization of nearby ultramafic rocks. The result is a pale, dense rock packed with calcium garnet and other unusual minerals.

Composition

grossular garnet (hydrogrossular), diopside, vesuvianite, prehnite, chlorite, epidote

Where Found

Rodding River (New Zealand — type locality), Liguria (Italy), Troodos (Cyprus), Northern California (USA), Hokkaido (Japan)

Mohs Hardness

6-7

Fun Fact

Rodingite dykes stand out as pale, resistant ridges within dark serpentinite because they're so much harder than the surrounding rock — they weather in relief like geological ribs.

Test Your Knowledge

What process in adjacent ultramafic rocks triggers rodingite formation?

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