mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

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

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

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. It is a primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite. Can also be found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone (Peridot) in jewelry. Industrially used as a flux for steel production, a refractory material for casting molds, and for sandblasting. It is also being studied for its ability to sequester carbon dioxide.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's upper mantle and has been found on the Moon and Mars. It is also known as the 'Evening Emerald' because its green glow remains visible under artificial light.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct olive-green color, glassy luster, and granular texture (often appearing as small 'sugary' aggregates in basalt rocks). Commonly found in volcanic regions such as Hawaii, Arizona, and Norway.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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