igneous
Peridotite
Peridotite (Ultramafic Rock)
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green to dark green/black; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green to dark green/black
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More igneous →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green to dark green/black; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4
Formation & geological history
Formed in the Earth's upper mantle through fractional crystallization of magma. It is an intrusive igneous rock found in ophiolites and mantle xenoliths.
Uses & applications
Primary source of chromium ore (chromite) and peridot gemstones. Used as a decorative stone and for carbon sequestration research.
Geological facts
Peridotite is the dominant rock type of the upper part of the Earth's mantle; gemstones found within it are known as Peridot.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic olive-green color from olivine and its high density. Found in tectonic suture zones and volcanic pipes.
