mineral

Olivine (Peridot when gem-quality)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.27–4.37.

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

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.27–4.37.

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, often in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface via xenoliths in basalt. It can also be found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Used as a refractory material in steel making (sand casting), a gemstone (Peridot), and as an ore of magnesium. It is also used in carbon sequestration research.

Geological facts

Olivine is a major component of Earth's upper mantle. It is often referred to as 'evening emerald' because its green color remains vibrant even under artificial light.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct olive-green color, lack of cleavage, and granular appearance (sugary texture). Commonly found in basaltic lava flows and at green sand beaches (like Papakōlea in Hawaii).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral