mineral
Peridot
Olivine ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Olive-green to lime-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal system: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor, Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Olive-green to lime-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal system: Orthorhombic, Cleavage: Poor, Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
Formation & geological history
Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity; occasionally found in Pallasite meteorites from space.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (birthstone for August) and as a source of magnesium in industrial processes.
Geological facts
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. It has been found in meteorites and on the planet Mars.
Field identification & locations
Look for a distinct yellowish-green color and 'lily pad' inclusions under magnification. Often found in basaltic rocks and volcanic sands.
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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic
![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