Recent experimental data show that eclogites may form in the crust under conditions where total pressure exceeds water pressure. The regional distribution of eclogites in Western Norway and their association with crustal rocks makes their formation in the crust the most attractive hypothesis. Before a mantle origin should be assigned to any rock within this eclogite and garnet peridotite area it should be demonstrated that their country rocks are in a metamorphic state incompatible with the load pressures required for eclogite stability. Criteria for ascertaining eclogite formation in the crust are discussed.