mineral

Peridot

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

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.2–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-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. Also found in Pallasite meteorites from outer space. Its formation dates back millions to billions of years depending on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (birthstone for August). Historically used in talismans and decorative religious items.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. It has been found in stardust brought back from a robotic space probe and in meteorites, making it an 'extraterrestrial' gem in some instances.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'oily' or olive-green color and strong double refraction. Commonly found in basaltic rocks, particularly in Arizona (USA), Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Red Sea (St. John's Island).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral