forsterite-fayalite series, the most important minerals in the olivine family and possibly the most important constituents of the Earth’s mantle. Included in the series are the following varieties: forsterite magnesium silicate (Mg2SiO4) and fayalite iron silicate (Fe2SiO4).
Compositions intermediate to the end-members of the series (forsterite and fayalite) are also written as FoxFay, an expression of the ratio of forsterite to fayalite. For example, a composition made up of 80 percent forsterite and 20 percent fayalite is written Fo80 Fa20 and further abbreviated to Fo80.
These minerals are common as green to yellow, glassy crystals in many mafic and ultramafic rocks and are also abundant in chondrite meteorites. Forsterite is common in dunite, gabbros, diabase, basalts, and trachytes. Small amounts of fayalite are present in many volcanic rocks in which sodium is more common than potassium. The forsterite-fayalite minerals also occur in dolomitic limestones, marbles, and metamorphosed iron-rich sediments. These minerals are relatively infusible, not melting below 1,500 °C (2,700 °F), and are sometimes used in the manufacture of refractory brick. For detailed physical properties, see olivine (table).