Mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–4.37.

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

Identified March 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–4.37.

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks as a primary mineral. It is a major component of Earth's upper mantle and crystallizes at high temperatures from magma. Common in basalt and gabbro.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone (Peridot) for jewelry; industrially used as a flux for steel production, in refractory materials, and for sandblasting.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the first minerals to crystallize as magma cools. It is also found in stony-iron meteorites (pallasites), making it an extraterrestrial mineral occasionally available for collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct olive-green color and glassy appearance within dark igneous rocks. Found commonly in volcanic areas like Hawaii, Arizona, and Norway. Collectors should look for transparent, vivid green crystals.

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