Mineral

Olivine (Peridot when gem-quality)

Magnesium Iron Silicate, (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically olive-green, yellowish-green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–4.37.

Hardness: 6
Color: typically olive-green, yellowish-green, or brownish
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 9, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically olive-green, yellowish-green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–4.37.

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks as a primary mineral. It is a major component of the Earth's upper mantle and is often found in basalt, gabbro, and peridotite. It can be found in volcanic deposits or as nodules brought to the surface by lavas.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality specimens (Peridot) are used in jewelry. Industrial uses include refractory sand for casting iron, abrasive tasks, and as a flux in steel production. It is also used to sequester CO2 in certain experimental environmental processes.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals on Earth by volume (comprising much of the mantle), but it weathers quickly at the surface. It is also found in meteorites (pallasites) and has been identified on the Moon and Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinctive 'olive' green color, glassy luster, and granular appearance (often described as looking like sugar or salt crystals when viewed in basalt). Commonly found in volcanic regions like Hawaii, Arizona, and Norway.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral