mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Olivine (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Olive-green, yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.27-4.37; Cleavage: Poor/None.

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

Identified April 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Olive-green, yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.27-4.37; Cleavage: Poor/None.

Formation & geological history

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

Uses & applications

High-quality transparent specimens are used as gemstones (Peridot). Industrial uses include furnace linings (refractories) due to its high melting point and as a casting sand.

Geological facts

Olivine is the primary component of the Earth's upper mantle. It has also been discovered in meteorites (pallasites) and on the Moon and Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive olive-green color and glassy appearance. Often found as small, rounded grains in basaltic lava or in sand on certain green beaches (e.g., Papakolea Beach in Hawaii).