mineral

Peridot

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

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.3.

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.3.

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity; also found in pallasite meteorites. It is one of the oldest minerals, dating back to the formation of the solar system.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a gemstone. It is also the birthstone for August. Industrial-grade olivine is used as a flux for steel production and in sandblasting.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Ancient Egyptians called it the 'gem of the sun.' Some specimens have been identified in comet dust brought back by the Stardust robotic space probe.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive oily-green color and double refraction (thick stones may show double facet edges). Commonly found in basaltic rocks, San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, and Zabargad Island in the Red Sea.

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