mineral

Peridot

Olivine (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7; Color: Lime green, olive green, or yellowish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37

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

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7; Color: Lime green, olive green, or yellowish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37

Formation & geological history

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

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (birthstone for August) and as a collector's mineral specimen.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. It was called the 'gem of the sun' by Ancient Egyptians and has been found in stardust brought back by robotic space probes.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive oily luster and 'bottleglass' green color. Commonly found in basaltic rocks (lava flows) or as xenolith nodules. Major locations include San Carlos Apache Reservation (Arizona), Myanmar, and Pakistan.