mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.4.

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green, yellow-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.4.

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's upper mantle and brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. It is a common constituent of igneous rocks like basalt and gabbro. Most specimens are millions of years old.

Uses & applications

A major source of magnesium; the gemstone variety (Peridot) is used in jewelry; industrial uses include blast furnace refractory material and sandblasting/abrasives.

Geological facts

Olivine is a primary component of the Earth's upper mantle and has been found in meteorites (Pallasites) and on Mars and the Moon. It is the official birthstone for the month of August.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive olive-green color and glassy fracture. Commonly found in dark igneous rocks (basalt) or as 'green sand' on volcanic beaches in Hawaii or Norway. Often appears as small, rounded grains.

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