Mineral

Peridot

Olivine (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37

Hardness: 6
Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green
Luster: Vitreous

Identified April 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Also found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially as the birthstone for August.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: an olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green depend on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive yellow-green color and strong double refraction. Common locations include the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China.