mineral

Peridot

Olivine ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Lime green, yellowish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4

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

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Lime green, yellowish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity in basaltic igneous rocks. It can also be found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Primary use is as a gemstone in jewelry (birthstone for August). Sometimes used as a refractive sand for casting in industry.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. Some specimens of peridot have celestial origins, found inside nickel-iron meteorites called pallasites.

Field identification & locations

Look for a distinct 'bottle green' or olive hue in volcanic basalt rocks. It lacks the blue undertones seen in emeralds and often appears 'doubly refractive' under a loupe.