mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Olivine ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4)

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Light green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Light green to olive green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Light green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity in magmatic rocks; also found in some types of meteorites (pallasites).

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry; olivine is also used as a flux for steel making and in refractory materials.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Some specimens have been found in meteorites, making it an 'extraterrestrial' gemstone.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive lime or olive green color and glassy appearance. Often found in basalt flows or as nodules in volcanic rocks from locations like Arizona, Pakistan, and Myanmar.