Mantle-derived peridotites in islands arcs are distinctively rich in orthopyroxene. Arc peridotites are residues from partial melting of ‘hybrid mantle wedge’ lithologies. Silica-rich and magnesian primary melts are formed from these hybrid protoliths. Silica-rich picrite and high-Ca boninite are cryptic components in arcs. Silica enrichment in primary arc melts is critical in formation of continental crust.