mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3

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

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-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. Common in ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry; high-quality specimens are faceted for rings and necklaces. Industrial-grade olivine is used as a flux for steel making and in foundry sand.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. It has been found in comet dust from the Stardust robotic spacecraft and is called the 'Evening Emerald' due to its glow under artificial light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive oily-green color and lack of reaction to acid. Often found in volcanic 'bombs' or as small grains in basaltic sand (e.g., Green Sand Beach in Hawaii).

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