mineral
Peridot
Olivine (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Olive-green to lime-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37
- Hardness
- 6
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Olive-green to lime-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity; occasionally found in pallasite meteorites. It crystallizes early in the cooling of mafic or ultramafic magmas.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (birthstone for August). Historically used in amulets and fine decor.
Geological facts
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. It has even been found in comet dust and inside meteorites, making it an 'extraterrestrial' gem in some cases.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive 'oily' green color and strong double refraction. Commonly found in volcanic basalt and in locations like San Carlos Apache Reservation (Arizona), Egypt, and Pakistan.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
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](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral