The inhomogeneity of the upper mantle is consistent with the expression of magma types on the global surface. The possible relation between the spatial variations in the mantle pyrolites and the distribution of alkalic magmas has been discussed, and it is emphasized that a mantle phase having bulk composition equivalent to amphibole is the potential source for alkalic magmas. Petrological and geochemical data indicate that alkalic salic magmas may be derived directly from the mantle under a suitable physical environment.