Ringwoodite facts for kids
Ringwoodite is a special mineral found deep inside our planet. It's a type of olivine, which is a common green mineral. Ringwoodite forms under extreme heat and pressure, far below the Earth's surface, in a layer called the Earth's mantle. This happens between 525 and 660 kilometers (about 326 to 410 miles) deep!
What is Ringwoodite?
Ringwoodite is made of magnesium, iron, and silicate. It was first discovered in a meteorite that fell to Earth in 1969. Scientists believe there might be a lot of this mineral hidden deep inside the Earth.
Where is Ringwoodite Found?
This mineral is found in the "transition zone" of the Earth's mantle. This zone is like a middle layer, located between 410 and 660 kilometers (about 255 to 410 miles) below the surface. The conditions there are perfect for Ringwoodite to form.
Why is Ringwoodite Important?
Ringwoodite is very important because it can hold hydroxide ions. These are tiny groups of oxygen and hydrogen atoms joined together. This means Ringwoodite can store water within its structure, even though it looks like a solid rock!
Scientists think that the amount of water stored in the mantle's transition zone could be huge. It might be equal to one to three times the amount of water in all the oceans on Earth! This discovery helps us understand more about our planet's hidden water cycle.
