mineral

Olivine (Peridot when gem-quality)

Olivine Group (Magnesium Iron Silicate, (Mg,Fe)2SiO4)

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

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

Identified April 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite. Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Also found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality specimens (Peridot) are used in jewelry. Industrial uses include refractory sand for casting, blast furnace flux, and as an ingredient in heavy-weight concrete.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's upper mantle. It has also been detected in moon rocks and Martian meteorites.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct olive-green color and 'sugary' granular texture. Often found as small weathered grains in volcanic sands or as inclusions within basaltic rocks.

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