An example of flow differentiation: clinopyroxenite of the Predazzo igneous complex (north Italy)

Chemical, modal and mineralogic data and textural observations suggest that the small mafic-ultramafic body at Predazzo, consisting of olivine-bearing gabbro, clinopyroxenite and quartz-bearing gabbro, is the result of a flow differentiation mechanism acting on a mush formed of 60% solid plus 40% liquid. Such a mechanism was capable of producing the concentration of the early formed crystals ($\text{cpx}\text{+}\text{mt}$) towards the center of the body (clinopyroxenite) with segregation of two portions enriched in liquid toward the margins (olivine- and quartz-bearing gabbros).