mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Olive-green to lime or brownish-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor, Specific Gravity: 3.27-4.37.

Hardness: 6

Identified June 4, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Olive-green to lime or brownish-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal structure: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor, Specific Gravity: 3.27-4.37.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the Earth's upper mantle and brought to the surface by tectonic activity or volcanic eruptions. It is a primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality specimens (Peridot) are used in jewelry. Industrial uses include sandblasting, furnace linings (refractory), and as an additive in steel production to remove impurities.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's subsurface and has been discovered in meteorites and on the Moon and Mars. It is also a key mineral in the study of Earth's mantle.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive olive-green color and glassy appearance. Often found as small, rounded grains in dark volcanic rocks like basalt. Found worldwide, notably in Arizona, Hawaii, Norway, and Myanmar.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic