Dictionary entry

Peridotite

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Per″i‐do‐tite (?), n. [Cf. F. péridotite.] (Min.) An eruptive rock characterized by the presence of chrysolite (peridot). It also usually contains pyroxene, enstatite, chromite, etc. It is often altered to serpentine.

☞ The chief diamond deposits in South Africa occur in a more or less altered peridotite.