mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.4.

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.4.

Formation & geological history

Formed in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. It is a primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite. It can also be found in certain metamorphic rocks and stony meteorites.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone (Peridot) in jewelry. Industrially, it is used as a flux for steel production, as casting sand in foundries, and as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust by volume and is a major component of the upper mantle. It has even been discovered in moon rocks and Martian meteorites.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct olive-green color, glassy luster, and granular habit in basaltic rocks. It lacks clear cleavage and often looks like broken green glass shards when found as small grains.

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