mineral

Olivine (often within Peridotite)

Magnesium iron silicate, (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5 to 7.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or brownish-green, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal system: Orthorhombic, Specific gravity: 3.27 to 4.37. It has a conchoidal fracture and lacks distinct cleavage.

Hardness: 6

Identified January 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in the Earth's upper mantle through slow cooling of magma. Often found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like peridotite and basalt. It can also be found in certain metamorphic rocks and stony-iron meteorites (pallasites).

Uses & applications

The gem-quality variety, Peridot, is used in jewelry. Industrial-grade olivine is used as a refractory material in blast furnaces, as a slag conditioner, in foundry sand, and for sandblasting.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth by volume, as it constitutes much of the upper mantle. Rare specimens found in meteorites are known as 'extraterrestrial gems.' It is also found in abundance on the surface of the Moon and Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct olive-green color and sugary, granular texture in mass forms. It is commonly found in volcanic regions such as the Canary Islands, Hawaii, and Norway. Collectors should look for its glassy luster and green hue in dark, heavy volcanic rocks.

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)]

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Epidote

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

mineral